Communication Transaction
We live in society and we build different types of relations with different people, friends, bosses, family, coaches, etc. All of them may come from different cultures and social classes. As a member of a diverse society, I try to maintain friendly relations with all people that surround me. Naturally, sometimes there are conflicts and misunderstandings, and some relations can break up. However, certain ways can make communication more powerful.
I often noticed that some relations can cease with time. Different things can go wrong. As Steve Duck mentions in his article, everyone starts with the “dissatisfaction with relations” (472). Then, we are not satisfied with the partner and announce that we have broken up. I support the author that there is a way to put it in order. All I do is just trying to start all over again and give myself a second chance.
Another problem that often appears in relations, (especially with one of my classmates) is the conflict based on opposite points of view. First of all, it happens because we came from different cultures and have different views on life. But I believe that if, “diversity among my acquaintances, classmates, co-workers, neighbors, and friends is increasingly inevitable” (Johnson 491), we should get rid of all prejudices and accept people as they are. At the same time, we should accept ourselves and preserve personal opinion. As Susan Campbell says, “holding differences is rather advanced skill” (474) and I believe that it is one of the most important skills. What I do is trying to understand my classmate, but preserve my point of view as well. The compromise helps to advance communication and make it more effective.
Inevitably, there can appear conflicts in communication with members of the family. I often have conflicts with my brother, but I try to use the strategy “I hear you, and I have a different perspective”. In other words, it is a great way to discuss the problem and improve communication with people. If you feel that the conflict is inevitable, you should keep in mind that “people think differently and want different things” (Campbell 477). It helps to build self-trust and understanding between people who conflict. Moreover, thus you can defend your point of view and support friendly relations with others. This is what result I usually have when my brother and I begin to argue something. Applying it in real life helps to build successful communication.
In communication with the people around me, I noticed that prejudices and stereotyping influence communication greatly. For example, in communication with a coach, some people are often afraid to protect personal opinion and it may cause uncertainty and further conflicts. I believe that it is very important to “accept yourself”. “Self-acceptance is a high regard for yourself and high cynics for yourself” (Johnson 492). The main thing is that you should know when you are right and how to prove it. Try to speak with respect and understanding of your coaches’ opinion, at the same time, do not be afraid of expressing your own opinion and defend it. A compromise is what should be applied in practice in your everyday communication and the sort of behavior that helps improving communication.
Works Cited
Campbell, Susan. M. “I Hear You, and I Have a Different Perspective” in Stewart, John (Ed.). Bridges not Walls: A Book about Interpersonal Communication, 10th ed, New York: McGraw Hill Humanities. p. 474 – 478.
Duck, Steve. “Handling the Break-Up of Relations” in Stewart, John (Ed.). Bridges not Walls: A Book about Interpersonal Communication, 10th ed, New York: McGraw Hill Humanities. p. 467 – 472.
Johnson, David W. “Building Relationship with Diverse Others” in Stewart, John (Ed.). Bridges not Walls: A Book about Interpersonal Communication, 10th ed, New York: McGraw Hill Humanities. p. 490 – 500.