Week 6 & 7 2.

Non-verbal Communication - Gestures, facial

CULTURAL COMPETENCE IN COMMUNITY RELATIONS expressions, and body language convey messages.
However, their interpretation differs across cultures.
What is cultural competence?
- Eye contact, personal space, and handshakes vary—
•The Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) defined it
what’s respectful in one culture might be intrusive in
as the capability to shift cultural perspective and adapt or
another.
bridge behavior to commonality and difference. In other
words, it is about understanding and adjusting our 3. Conflict Resolution - Cultural norms influence how
behavior based on cultural context (Butcher & Wiersma- conflict is handled. Some cultures value direct
Mosley, 2021). confrontation, while others prefer indirect approaches.
- Understanding these differences helps prevent
In cultural competence, it introduces the Intercultural
misunderstandings.
Development Continuum Stages:
4. Ethnocentrism and Stereotypes - Ethnocentrism—the
DENIAL - At this stage, individuals tend to view cultural
belief that one’s culture is superior—can hinder effective
differences through their own lens, often relying on
communication.
stereotypes. They may deny the existence of significant
- Stereotypes lead to assumptions about others based on
cultural variations.
cultural backgrounds. Overcoming them is crucial.
POLARIZATION - Here, people perceive cultural differences
5. Manners and Etiquette - Politeness norms differ.
as stark opposites. It’s an “us vs. them” mentality, where
What’s considered courteous in one culture might be
common ground is hard to find.
seen as overly formal or too casual elsewhere.
MINIMIZATION - Individuals recognize cultural differences
Culturally Competent Listening Strategies
but downplay their significance. They might say, “We’re all
•Effective communication across cultures requires more
the same deep down.”
than just hearing words—it involves understanding
ACCEPTANCE - At this stage, people appreciate cultural context, respecting differences, and actively engaging
diversity and recognize its value. They actively seek to learn with others.
from others.
Here are some key strategies to enhance your culturally
ADAPTION - Individuals can shift their behavior to fit the competent listening skills:
cultural context. They bridge differences effectively and
1. Active Listening
adapt their approach based on the situation.
• What Is It? - Active listening means fully engaging with
Cultural competence also gives importance to these two the speaker, both verbally and nonverbally. It’s not just
related skills: waiting for your turn to talk; it’s genuinely absorbing what
the other person is saying.
1. Mentorship & Leadership • How to Practice It: - Maintain eye contact.
2. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Show interest through nodding or other affirmative
Cultural Diversity and its Impact on Communication gestures.
•Culture plays a significant role in shaping how we -Avoid interrupting; let the speaker finish their thoughts.
interact with others. It encompasses beliefs, behaviors, - Ask clarifying questions to ensure you understand
norms, values, attitudes, customs, rules, and language correctly.
shared within a particular group or area. When people 2. Cultural Empathy
from diverse cultural backgrounds collaborate, effective • Why Is It Important - Empathy allows you to step into
communication becomes both essential and challenging. someone else’s shoes and understand their feelings and
Impact of Cultural Diversity on Communication perspectives.
• How to Cultivate It: - Be curious about cultural
1. Language and Meaning - Different cultures assign differences.
varying meanings to words, phrases, and gestures. What -Recognize that emotions and reactions vary across
seems innocuous in one culture might be offensive in cultures.
another.
- Avoid making assumptions based on your own cultural of nonverbal and verbal, and looking deeper at what was
norms. meant and what underlying messages may be involved.
5.Evaluating - It refers to making judgments about what
3. Avoid Stereotypes we have heard. In a critical listening situation, we
• Challenge Assumptions: Stereotypes can hinder obviously need to make careful judgments about what
effective communication. Instead of assuming, approach we are being told. In an interpersonal setting, we need to
each individual as unique. make judgments of the degree of the emotion and what
• Learn About Cultures: Educate yourself about different our role as a friend may be.
cultural backgrounds to avoid falling into stereotypes 6.Responding - It refers to how we react to the message.
4. Adapt your Communication Style We need to consider what is more appropriate or less
• High-Context vs. Low-Context Cultures: appropriate as feedback. We also need to realize our
- In high-context cultures (e.g., Asian, Middle Eastern), comments, questions, or even nonverbal feedback can
much meaning is conveyed through context, nonverbal send strong messages about the worth of the other
cues, and shared history. person and the importance of their concern.
- In low-context cultures (e.g., Western), communication Listening Style
is more explicit and relies on direct language. •When communicating ideas to someone, you should
• Adjust Accordingly: - Be more explicit in low-context always consider the following to be an effective
settings. communicator.
- Pay attention to nonverbal cues in high-context
interactions. 1. People-Oriented Listeners
What They Care About: These listeners focus on
5. Learn Basic Phrases people’s feelings and needs. They’re empathetic
• Greetings and Politeness: Knowing simple phrases in and may get sidetracked from the main topic to
someone’s language (e.g., “hello,” “thank you”) shows address emotions.
respect and breaks the ice. 2. Action-Oriented Listeners
• Pronunciation Matters: Make an effort to pronounce What They Prefer: Action-oriented listeners like
names correctly. clear, organized information. They want things to
6. Reflect on your own Cultural Lens. the point and accurate.
• Self-Awareness: Understand how your cultural 3. Content-Oriented Listeners
background shapes your communication style. Their Style: Content-oriented listeners love diving
• Bias Check: Be aware of any biases you might hold and deep. They analyze complex messages, explore
actively work to overcome them. different angles, and seek thorough information.
4. Time-Oriented Listeners
HURIER Listening Model Their Focus: Time-oriented listeners prioritize
•Just like other aspects of communication, listening is a efficiency. They want relevant info quickly and
multi-faceted process. Judi Brownell (2010), the author of stick to schedules.
Listening: Attitudes, Principles, and Skills, proposes the
HURIER model as a description of the listening process.
Week 8 & 9
1.Hearing - It refers to our ability to focus on and BUILDING POSITIVE RELATIONSHIP
perceive the stimuli itself. In addition to the basic,
physical process of capturing and processing the stimuli, Relationship
the hearing stage also addresses our need to focus and •a connection or association between two or more
concentrate on the message. people, groups, or entities
2.Understanding - It refers to the decoding of the •it can involve feelings, interactions, or dependencies that
message. We attach meaning to the symbols we receive, create a bond
so we are focusing only on the verbal message. •can be characterized by how people communicate,
3.Remembering - It refers to the retaining of what we support each other, and share experiences, and they can
have heard to be able to act on the message. be positive, neutral, or negative depending on the nature
4.Interpreting - It refers to taking the message we have of the interaction.
decoded, considering the whole communication package
Importance of Positive Relationship ability to inspire, guide, and advocate for the needs and
1.Community Setting: 2.Professional Setting: well-being of the community members.
• Emotional Support • Networking Opportunities
Roles of a community leader
• Stress Reduction • Career Advancement
a. Advocacy - Represents the interests and concerns of
• Personal Growth • Positive Work Environment
the community to external organizations, government
Building Positive Relationship: bodies, and other stakeholders.
1. Establishing Rapport and Trust • Champions causes that are important to the community,
Rapport: A close and harmonious relationship where ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are
parties understand each other's feelings or ideas. addressed.
Techniques in building rapport:
b. Facilitation - Brings people together to collaborate on
• Active Listening • Empathy
community projects and initiatives.
• Body Language • Shared Experience
• Mediates conflicts within the community, helping to find
Trust: Firm belief in the reliability, truth, or strength of common ground and workable solutions
someone.
c. Guidance and Mentorship - Provides direction, advice,
Techniques in building trust:
and support to community members, especially in times
• Consistency and Reliability • Open Communication
of needs.
• Respect
• Acts as a mentor to emerging leaders, fostering the
Importance of Rapport and trust:
development of new talents and skills within the
• Builds stronger relationship
community.
• Enhance Communication and Understanding
• Poster a Positive Environment d. Decision-making - Takes a leading role in making
• Essential for Teamwork and Collaboration decisions that affect the community, often involving
community members in the process to ensure inclusivity
2. Conflict Resolution Strategies
and representation.
Conflict: It involves serious disagreement, often from
• Sets the vision and goals for the community, working
differences in values, needs, or interests.
with others to achieve these objectives.
•A serious disagreement or argument, often prolonged.
Sources of conflict e. Resource Mobilization - Identifies and secures
• Miscommunication • Differing Values resources (financial, human, material) needed for
• Limited Resources • Personality Clashes community development projects.
Impact of unresolved Conflict • Builds partnerships with other organizations,
• Decreased Productivity • Damaged Relationship businesses, and government agencies to bring in
• Increased Stress additional support and resources.
Conflict Resolution Techniques
• Collaborative Approach • Compromise Contributions of a Community Leader
• Active Listening • Empathy • Mediation a. Community development - Initiates and drives projects
that improve infrastructure, education, healthcare, and
Collaborative Approach other vital aspects of the community.
1.Identify the Problem - Clearly define the issue b. Social cohesion - Fosters a sense of belonging and unity
2. Understand Everyone’s Interest - Explore underlying among community members by encouraging participation
needs and concerns. and collaboration.
3. Brainstorm Possible Solutions - Generate a range of c. Empowerment - Empowers individuals by providing
potential solutions. them with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities to
4. Evaluate and Choose the Best Solution - Analyze improve their lives and contribute to the community.
options and agree on the most viable one.
5. Implement and Follow Up - Put the solution into action d. Crisis management - Leads the community through
and monitor effectiveness. crises, whether they be natural disasters, economic
challenges, or social conflicts, helping to navigate difficult
3. Insights from a Community Leader situations with resilience
Community Leader: an individual who holds a position of
influence within a community, often recognized for their
Why Community Leaders Provide Valuable Insights? Developing a Community Engagement Plan
Deep Understanding of Community Needs - Community 1.Identify Stakeholders - Recognize key community
leaders have a firsthand understanding of the challenges, members and organizations that should be involved.
aspirations, and dynamics within their community, making 2. Set Goals and Objectives - Clearly outline what you
them well-placed to offer insights that are relevant and want to achieve with your engagement efforts.
actionable. 3. Create a Timeline - Establish milestones for when
Experience and Wisdom - Through their experience, various activities will take place.
community leaders have accumulated knowledge on what 4. Evaluate and Adapt - Regularly assess the effectiveness
strategies and approaches work best in their specific of your engagement strategies and be open to making
context, allowing them to provide practical advice and adjustments based on feedback.
solutions.
Applying listening skills in community engagement
Trusted Relationships - Their established relationships
1. Active Listening Techniques
within the community enable them to offer insights that
Maintain Eye Contact: Show you’re focused on the
consider the perspectives of diverse groups, ensuring that
speaker, which helps them feel valued.
their advice is inclusive and reflective of the community's
Use Reflective Responses: Paraphrase or summarize what
needs.
the speaker says to confirm understanding.
Visionary Thinking - Community leaders often have a
Ask Clarifying Questions: Encourage elaboration by asking
long-term vision for their community, which allows them
questions that help clarify their point.
to provide insights that are not only focused on
2. Create Inclusive Spaces
immediate concerns but also on sustainable development
Encourage Participation - Invite all community members
and future growth.
to share their views, especially those who may be quieter
or less represented.
Use Various Formats - Host meetings, workshops, and
Week 10 & 11
online forums to accommodate different preferences for
APPLICATION OF LISTENING SKILLS IN COMMUNITY
communication.
ENGAGEMENT
3. Be Open and Non-Judgmental
Conducting Community Meetings and Forums Show Empathy - Validate feelings and experiences
1. Set Clear Objectives - Define the purpose of the without immediately offering solutions or judgments.
meeting and what you hope to achieve. Suspend Judgment - Focus on understanding rather than
2. Choose Accessible Locations - Make sure the venue is responding right away; this encourages honest dialogue.
easy to reach and accommodating for all community 4. Document and Act on Feedback
members Take Notes - Record key points during discussions to
3. Promote Inclusivity - Encourage participation from demonstrate that you value input.
diverse groups by using multiple communication Provide Updates - Follow up with the community on how
channels. their feedback has influenced decisions or actions.
4. Facilitate Open Dialogue - Use structured formats like 5. Implement Regular Check-Ins
breakout sessions to allow for smaller group discussions. Establish Feedback Loops - Create opportunities for
ongoing dialogue, such as surveys suggestion boxes, to
Addressing Community Concerns through Effective gather ongoing community input.
Listening Schedule Follow-Up Meetings - Regularly revisit
1. Active listening - Show genuine interest by discussions to show ongoing commitment to community
summarizing what community members say and asking concerns.
follow-up questions. 6. Train and Model Listening Skills.
2.Create Safe Spaces - Encourage open communication by Provide Training - Offer workshops for community leaders
fostering an environment where everyone feels and volunteers on effective listening and engagement
comfortable sharing their thoughts. strategies.
3.Feedback Loops - After addressing concerns, provide Lead by Example - Demonstrate good listening skills in all
updates on how community feedback has influenced interactions to standard for others.
decisions.