The following scenario will enhance your ability to understand and apply competent communication in a group setting. As you watch the first video, recall what you’ve learned about communicating with people from diverse cultures, and then complete the Your Turn prompts. Finally, watch the Take Two! video to explore how this scenario could have gone differently.
1. The Problem
Paul is assigned to a group project with several classmates who come from collectivistic cultures. The group chooses one of them, Lily, as group leader.
2. Your Turn
Observations. Reflect on how Paul and Lily communicated in this scenario by answering the following questions:
- Which character do you identify with more in this situation? How would you feel if you were in his or her situation?
- Do you think that both characters are communicating competently? Why or why not?
Discussion. In class or with a partner, share your thoughts about the interaction between Paul and Lily and work to answer the following questions:
- Can you understand both perspectives?
- What could Lily and Paul have done differently?
3. Take Two!
What if things had gone differently? Watch the Take Two! video to see one possible example of how the conversation might have gone if Lily and/or Paul had communicated differently. As you watch the video, consider where the dialog reflects communication competence. After watching the video, answer the questions below:
- Did Lily and/or Paul take advantage of opportunities that they missed in the first scenario? Which ones?
- Do you think Paul and Lily communicated more competently or less competently in this version than in the original scenario? Why? Please explain your answer.