Page 346 - Keys to College Success

Effective Communication

Like many other skills covered in this course, communication is a tool to use toward
achieving an important goal. When you communicate with a person, thinking about
your specific goal in that moment—improving your experience in the classroom,
strengthening a friendship, avoiding a conflict, and so on—will help you communicate
in the most effective way possible.
Communicating across cultural lines is often a challenge, and several types of bar-
riers tend to get in the way. Taking the risk to jump these barriers will bring the reward
of more effective communication in personal, academic, and professional situations.
ETHNOCENTRISM
Ethnocentrism. This “my way or the highway” attitude demeans anyone outside that The belief that your own
culture. Ethnocentrism practically guarantees anger and misunderstanding on a per- culture is superior to all
son-to-person level. To jump this barrier: Understand that no culture is superior to others, and that the beliefs
another. Even if some ways of thinking and acting work for you, they may not be right and values held by that
for all people. Refrain from putting your attitudes and practices ahead of those of other
culture are correct.
cultures. Also, learn about other ways of thinking, being, and doing. The more you
know, the less ethnocentric you are likely to be.

Assumptions and stereotypes. A student whose study partner fails to show up for
work sessions, for example, might assume that all students from the same race, gender,
ethnic group, and so on are irresponsible. However, the assumption would be dead
wrong. Assumptions have a negative impact on relationships and communication and
are often born out of stereotypes. To jump this barrier: Be aware of your thoughts
when you encounter someone from another culture. Observe what assumptions come
to mind and set those thoughts aside. Work to get to know each individual without
resorting to stereotypes.

Closed mindedness. Not being open to different perspectives and choices is related to
ethnocentrism. Closed mindedness short circuits communication with people outside
your culture. Without a willingness to explore other cultures, you can’t respectfully
exchange ideas with anyone from those cultures. You are less likely to make new friends,
eat new foods, and seek out new experiences—and the boundaries you set up around
yourself can sharply limit your potential. To jump this barrier: Choose to open your
mind to new ideas and experiences. Depending on the person, this is easier said than
done. Try putting an unfamiliar experience on your schedule—a restaurant, arts perfor-
mance, book, visit to the home of someone from a different culture, and so on. Exposure
to differences tends to open your mind bit by bit.

Lack of knowledge. If you don’t understand a
culture’s values and customs, you may unknow-
ingly behave in disrespectful ways. If an American
woman tries to shake hands with a man from a
culture where unrelated men and women don’t
make contact in public, for example, she will be
embarrassed at the least, and at the worst may
shut down the interaction. To jump this barrier:
The cure is education. Be informed. If you do
something that makes a bad impression on some-
one from another culture, politely ask for infor-
mation on the acceptable way to behave, and
keep it in mind for next time. If you know you
will encounter people from a particular culture
either at school, at work, or while traveling for
business or pleasure, read up on how to dress,
greet people, and behave in public—and what to
avoid doing or saying.

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