One of the things I try to do when communicating with co-workers is to take their individual personality into consideration.  We recently had an in-house training on different personality types to help us better work with each other as well as with parents.  One of the things that was brought out in this training is the way different types look at communication.  Our staff was divided into four different groups each representing four of the major personality types and then we were asked a series of questions.  One of the questions had to do with what our purpose is when communicating with others.  One of the groups felt that for them communication was all about making a connection, while another group focused specifically on getting results.  If you are a person whose sole purpose in communication is to get results your style may be more concise and to the point.  However, if you are one whose goal is to make a connection you may be more detailed and explanatory so as to have time to establish a connection with the other individual.  As you can guess, if you don’t take into consideration the individual style of those with whom you are trying to communicate with, miscommunication and hard feelings can occur. 

The change in communication I make most often would have to be the way in which I address children.  While working with my toddlers I am conscious of their abilities and language development when addressing them.  As I give guidance, answer questions and make requests my language is marketable different.  Guidance and directions are kept short and simple, often building on each other over time.  Questions are answered truthfully but at their level of understanding.  In addition to the choice of semantics, there is also a continual tone and pleasantness I try to keep in my voice and demeanor.  It is important to me that the children feel that I am approachable and care about them.      

Another thing that helps me when trying to be an effective communicator is stopping and really listening to the other person.  There is so much diversity within our community you can never assume what when you hear something that it is coming from your perspective.  Hearing someone can be relatively easy, really taking the time to really listen to what the other person is saying is a true skill that has to be continually worked at.  Listening requires you to clear your mind and really be in the moment.  It requires you to take into consideration the other parties’ culture and perspective.  You also have to refrain from letting your mind wander or plan your next comment.  Listening takes into consideration the verbal and nonverbal cues being used in the conversation as well.