A Child's Advocate: Competent Communication

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Competent Communication

Competent communication has three parts,

Cultural- depending on the culture that you are from depends on how you will interpret the message and how you will respond.

Situational- this is where the communication happens, such as at a fancy restaurant or at home, school or at a friend’s house.

Relational- whom are you communicating with? You’re communication would be different with your mother than your best friend, or different between your child than your spouse.

My husband demonstrates competent communication within his work context. When my husband speaks to his buddies from work he uses their “work lingo” because they all are a part of that culture, and they all have an understanding of what certain words mean. He also uses obscene language when he is in the right situation with them such as at work, or at their shop. And he jokes around or can become quite serious when talking to his work friends about work tales or safety, respectively. My husband is effective in this communication context because he can successfully use the language and the tone needed to get his points across. However, his words and language would not work with another group of individuals who did not also know his job.

In a way I would like to become as aggression with my communication as my husband can be. He does not become emotional or forgetful when speaking and always clearly makes his point known. Sometimes so well in fact, that he can gain control in most situations by his use of words. I admire that fact about him and secretly think he was supposed to be a lawyer. He is one of those individuals who can carry your own thoughts away from what you were going to say and soon you are out of ideas. Not one to argue with let me tell you.

3 comments:

joyadeniyiMarch 3, 2012 at 10:24 AM
Hi Tina,
I agree that being a competent communicator is making your points as clear as possible without getting emotional about it. Clearity is so important in communicating because it makes every party convinced leaving no assumptions.
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Alice GuynnMarch 3, 2012 at 9:13 PM
Hi Tina,

I also agree that clearity is important in communicating. Understanding the point you are tring to articulate to whom you are speaking to and leaving no assumptions is vital.
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VanessaWaldenMSMarch 4, 2012 at 6:17 AM
Hi Tina,
I feel like your husband and I would get along :) In the right situation I also have a bit of a potty mouth. Sometimes, for example if I am working with a really angry, reisistant new mom with child protection in her life, this may be one of the only ways for her to feel comfortable enough to listen to what I have to say and really work her case. I think it is sort of an art to be able to read a situation and adapt to what is best in our communication skills. Thanks for sharing!
~V
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Personal Childhood Web

Terry- A neighbour of mine when I was a teenager. She was like a big sister in a way and treated me like my age instead of like a small child. I could confide in her and she helped me through a sticky situation when I was in high school. She taught me that although things seemed bad at the time and like there was no possible way out, that all things end eventually. That thought has helped me through some tough times in my life.
Chris- My brother. Chris joined the service when I was young, but when I'd visit him he never ceased to congratulate a grade or a new step in my life. He is someone who gives appreciation and shows admiration to everyone. He is intense to learn more about you and to help you feel better about yourself along the way. He carries my favorite trait which is sometimes hard to find- common sense. I hope I have gathered at least a handful of his knowledge and kindness along the way. His open heart and courage to do good is a constant reminder to me that there is more to people than meets the eye.
Kathy- A friend of my mother's, she was and still is someone who tells it like it is. She would never hide anything about the truth to me and she was comical in telling it. If I had a question, Kathy had a straightforward answer. Still to this day Kathy will not hesitate to give meaningful opinions and life lessons to me. I don't call her enough, but I do think of her constantly especially when life throws me a curve ball and I make some kind of joke out of it!
Louise- A friend of my mother's, she was someone I could tell things to that I was afraid to tell my mom. She would comfort me and let me know I was normal and tried to figure out ways to help me in any situation. She stayed calm and optimistic and I always admired those traits about her that I wish I could have found at home. Louise has definitely taught me to stay true to myself and not try to change to meet another's needs. She's also taught me positivity lasts longer and doesn't create as many wrinkles.
Melanie- She was a childhood friend who had a stable family life and was very intelligent. She helped me study and she helped me see past what other's thought to find out what I thought. Melanie is someone who I assume went on to become some kind of life changing scientist. She showed me dedication, and for a young child to see a peer unafraid of committment to something left a lasting impression.