March 10, 2009

Today's class on communication was really informational. I feel like i learned a lot about how good communication can really benefit a relationship. Not that i already didn't know it was important, but there are so many other things that factor into communication. It's not just the verbal, but the non-verbal that can really show a person's true emotions about something. The part of the lecture that i found most interesting for me was the part about gender differences and the cultural differences we discussed in class.

The gender differences in men and women when it comes to communication seem to make more sense now that i see them on paper. Men truly are way more competitive when it comes to communication. I know my boyfriend is already a really competitive person, but when we are having a conversation or are trying to convince someone of something he always thinks he's right and pulls out random explanations for things. Everything is a competition to him, and after seeing that being competitive a big difference between men and women in communicating it finally made sense! Now i just think it's kinda hilarious. As a women, the ways a women communicate are so correct it's almost scary. I am that person that is all about affiliation having a really strong connection with the person i am communicating with. Seeing the differences between men and women really made me think about how these things can conflict each other, but how they also benefit each other.

The cultural differences are also really interesting because there are things in other cultures that are forbidden that are so normal for American's. Such having eye contact with the person you're talking to, in America that is a sign of respect, but in other cultures it's rude look an elder in the eye when speaking to him/her.

I think this lecture will really help me when I'm doing my family interview because i'll be able to see how they communicate and pinpoint things that are different in their communicating.

bCam