Communication Skills

Do I find myself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures?
If yes, in what ways do I communicate differently?

I would say that overall I communicate the same regardless of whom I am speaking.  I feel that I am approachable and have a down-to-earth personality.  My philosophy is to always be myself and be respectful of others and you can pretty much draw anyone in.  However, depending on who I am speaking to and in what context it may be in, I communicate differently.  For example, when I was in the military, I spoke more professionally with my commanding officer or any senior officer than I did with my colleagues.  When I am speaking to my close friends, I am a little more relaxed in my speech and more comfortable.  I always enunciate and use the correct grammar with my children because they follow our example.  If I am speaking with a stranger or someone of a different race I also enunciate and speak very clearly, while being myself.  My first tour in the military was in Italy.  I noticed that I would always sound like an Italian when I would speak to them or if I'm talking to someone from China or Mexico, I tend to pick up that dialect.  I don't know why I do it, but I know that it has to be annoying to them.

I think I'm an effective communicator because I tend to adapt my style of communication according to how I feel the other person wishes to be treated also known as the Platinum Rule (Beebe et al, 2011).  I base this on observing their body language and their comfort level.  I also listen for things that I may have in common with someone and go from there.

Beebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J., & Redmond, M. V. (2011). Interpersonal communication: Relating to others (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.