Communication can be a tricky thing. Sometimes it can be very easy when you are speaking with someone you have a lot in common with. With these people, your conversation is going to flow and there will be a variety of topics you can discuss. On the other hand, communication can be rather hard. If you are speaking with someone you have little in common with, or someone from a different culture, your conversation may not flow as easily and topics could be scarce.

In thinking about this, I would say that my communication style changes depending on whom I am talking with. Below you will find three examples.

1) With my kindergarteners I speak in an expressive and supportive demeanor. I want them to know that I care about their thoughts and ideas, and I also want them to be excited about the information I am conveying.

2) When speaking with colleagues, or my Principal, I usually speak in a confident tone. I want to express my professionalism and also my commitment to my job.

3) In talking to those I do not know well, I speak with my feelings and emotions. I want them to feel comfortable and also have them know that I am genuinely interested in what they have to say.



Competent Communication

            In thinking of someone who demonstrates competent communication, I immediately thought of a professor I had during my undergraduate studies at Central Michigan University. Her name is Dr. Holly Hoffman, and she taught my Introduction to Special Education class. Before this class, I knew very little about Special Education. Dr. Hoffman taught with such knowledge, excitement, creativity, and understanding, and this created a wonderful collaborative learning environment. Even in the great big lecture hall, she made it seem like we were in a small classroom. She would walk up and down the aisles as she spoke, instead of just standing at the front. I learned so much in that class and felt so much more comfortable with special education terminology and issues afterwards. 

            I would definitely model communication behaviors after Dr. Hoffman. I hope in speaking to my young kindergarteners that I convey information in an exciting manner that makes them eager to learn. I also hope that they look forward to coming to school and being in my classroom, and feel special the way Dr. Hoffman made each of her students feel.