What should you do before communicate with other people in different situation?

Answer 1

1. Know your audience

• Recognize your relationship with the audience.

I. With a good friend, you will probably be able to be more upfront and blunt.

II. With a supervisor, you will want to speak with respect.

III. With a cashier, you may want to be friendly, but conservative.

• Conduct an audience analysis. Look at the age span, gender, education level, values, cultures, family structures, and background experiences of those in your audience. This is especially helpful when giving speeches to unfamiliar audiences.

2. we must identify the level of formality

• Formal occasions like ceremonies and business presentations require more formal language and dress.
• Informal occasions like hanging out with your family or friends allow you to be more relaxed and casual.

3. Consider the method of your communication

• Each method of communication has advantages and disadvantages.
• If you are able to choose, pick the method that would be most effective for your audience. Otherwise, work within its existing structure.
• Example 1: During meetings, participate by sharing ideas, but also take the time to listen. Do not monopolize the discussion.
• Example 2: email and text messaging require a conscious choice of words. Be direct. Express tone through your words or the use of emoticons (smiley faces).

4. Be intentional with your body language

• Body language can be interpreted differently in different situations.
• Adapt your nonverbal communication to the situations at hand.
• Example 1: Personal space varies both by culture, by individual, and by relationship. With your significant other, you may sit close enough that your legs or shoulders are touching. However, when you sit neat a supervisor or complete stranger, you want to leave some distance in between you.