Being such a people person, and also working within the
early childhood profession, I have had so many experiences in communicating.
I currently work in a center that is predominately white,
myself being one of two black women. My co-teacher, who is also black, and best
friend of many years seem to communicate with one another in a way that is
different from the way we talk to our Center Manager, and all other admin
staff.
However, I feel as though I remain consistent and not “loose”
who I am, just to make someone else feel as though I do not fit in. What helps
me gain the respect from my colleagues and families I serve is my personality,
my direct eye contact, my nonverbal cues which allows the other person in which
I am communicating with understand , I am in fact paying attention.
I often ask my friend why she “code switches”, and suddenly
verbalizes as if she was running for office, she is very unaware that she does
this, I have noticed other colleagues pick up on it.
Hi Cynthia,
ReplyDeleteI agree 100% with you that even though we work to make other feels important we should never loose ourselves. Most people don't realize that eye contact is so very important in speaking with people. It lets them know that you are interested in what they have to say and not just hearing them, but honestly listening to them. Great job!
Brenda
Cynthia,
ReplyDeleteCommunication is the key in conversating with someone. I have a co- worker who never have eye contact when she's talking to anyone, not even the kids in the classroom. Sometimes I wonder does she has a lack of self esteem. She's a nice person but she never looks at you when she talk to you. Working with parents and children everyday she need to show some type of contact when she's communicating.
Hi Cynthia,
ReplyDeleteEye contact is very important in communication. It think it is so rude to be talking with someone and they looking down, around, or doing something else. This type of behavior indicates that the person is not interested and proving it by ignoring you. Effective communication skills consist of attentive listening. Being attentive is simply showing respect. Thanks for sharing!