This workshop engages participants in conversations and activities regarding “what gets in the way” when communicating across difference. The session includes a review of interactive communication theory, and offers activities to examine the impact of culture and identity on our communication styles. Focus is primarily on communicating across differences in the U.S. context. Participants work with each other to discuss and apply this information in varied situations.
The outcomes of the workshop are:
- To increase awareness of personal communication styles
- To increase awareness of the diversity and complexity of communication styles
- To increase understanding of conflict born of miscommunication
- To explore the “Intent vs. Impact” model as it relates to communication dynamics
- To learn and practice skills that contribute to more effective cross-cultural communication
All of the MEP workshops, including this Let's Talk workshop, use experiential learning techniques. The workshop features small and large group interactions and discussions. Further, the workshop uses activities that provide a common experience for the group, and that provide ideas for use in everyday work in a diverse environment like UC Berkeley. Resources are also discussed, so participants can connect with other offices and opportunities. The workshop is approximately three hours in length.