Adjusting Accordingly

Whenever I communicate, I consider the topic I’m attempting to discuss, the timing of the discussion, and the person or persons I’m discussing it with. Due to the fact that people, in general, all have different experiences and walks of life, they tend to receive and process information in various ways (both verbally and non-verbally). Depending on whom your audience is, certain adjustments will need to be made. You wouldn’t speak to a highly religious group in a harsh manner about the importance of utilizing condoms during the possible decision of having pre-marital sex when abstinence would be better accepted topic. If a rush discussion occurs without certain considerations, you run the risk of being offensive and not getting your points across. The recipient(s) can shut down and become defensive, causing a situation of hostility and aggression (totally non-productive at this point).  

Even in friendly gatherings, I try to adjust my conversation to each person that I’m speaking to. As I now think about it, I regulate these conversations without major awareness of doing so (something like second nature). Ultimately, my goal is to make whatever interactions that occur, a positive experience for all parties involved.  By utilizing techniques such as being other-oriented instead of self-centered, implementing the platinum rule (do to others as they themselves would like to be treated), and always observing the non-verbal hidden messages floating during a conversation, an increase in the chance of having effective 2-way communication that everyone learns from can transpire. 

References:

Beebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J., & Redmond, M.V. (2011). Interpersonal communication: Relating to others         

(6^th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

Gonzales-Mena, J. (2010). 50 strategies for communicating and working with diverse families. Upper

Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.