One Child at a Time

  Putting this week in perspective, I learned that every contact we make involves communications skills. This contact could be speaking and listening, speech patterns, the words we use, the tone of our voice, our body language, and even the silences all play a part in how successful our communications are. I learned those good communicators are aware of their behaviors and their effect on others. Researchers call this awareness self-monitoring. High self-monitors pay close attention to the way they look, sound, and act in social situations. In contrast, low self-monitors often seem oblivious to their behaviors and other people's reactions to them. Self-monitoring usually makes people more competent communicators because it enables them to see how their behavior fits or doesn't fit in a given social setting. In addition, high self-monitors often have high levels of social and emotional intelligence, qualities that allow them to understand people's social behaviors and emotio

  Culture is a complex concept with many different definitions. But, simply put, "culture" refers to a group or community with which we share everyday experiences that shape the way we understand the world." It includes groups we are born into, such as race, national origin, class, or religion.         The way I communicate with people depends on who I am conversing with at a particular time; different communication methods for a male, a family with a foreign nationality, children, colleagues, etc. Therefore, employing the strategies listed below could help communicate more effectively with the people irrespective of their social identity. Developing Awareness of Individual Cultures Learning the basics about culture and at least something about the language of communication in different countries is essential. This is necessary even for the basic level of understanding required to engage in appropriate greetings and physical contact, which can be tricky inter-culturally.

  NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION CUES IN F.R.I.E.N.D.S Facial expressions are a large part of nonverbal communication. When we aren't talking, we rely on what the other person's face is doing to understand what they are thinking or feeling. Relying on facial expression relevant in the tv show F.R.I.E.N.D.S. in the episode where Rachel tells Ross she is pregnant and that the pregnancy is his shows the relevance of nonverbal communication. Obviously, in shock, Ross is speechless because words are not coming out of his mouth. However, his face is sure saying a lot. Due to Ross's nonverbal communication through facial expressions, the viewer can tell that Ross is shocked and stunned by Rachel's news and maybe even a little scared for what is to come. Another example of nonverbal communication is brought to us through a scene with Ross and Joey. They are attempting to get their friend Chandler to forgive them for something they have done, although Ross is skeptical about Joey'

President Barack Obama has been hailed as "The Great Communicator." His ability to strike a chord with America propelled him into the White House for two terms as the leader of the free world. Political adversaries had a hard time stopping his momentum as he communicated with the American people in a way that harkened back to President Ronald Reagan. Part of what gives Obama the ability to do great things is his skill at communicating his ideas efficiently for his target audience to comprehend. He's able to laugh at himself and others while acknowledging the hard work that others do to allow him to lead effectively. He knocks down barriers and communicates past the filter, giving Americans a feeling that they're personally connected with him. Obama uses several rhetorical devices in his speeches, but three techniques, in particular, appear to be consistent across all of his speeches.  Transcendence, Repetition, and Gestures and voice.   Transcendence.  By using concre