Co-Cultural Influence on Communication, Essay Example

When we communicate, it is important that we fully understand our target audience so that our message can be maximally effective. As a result, the message we attempt to send to others can depend on the race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, social class, and age of the individual or individuals we are speaking to. I think one of the most important factors that I should consider when I speak is the age or ages of the person or people I am talking to. Audience age could affect many factors of my speech including the complexity of content and the level of respect I need to demonstrate in my tone.

According to the week 3 lecture, it is important to “zero in” on our purpose when we communicate with others (Week 3 Lecture). When we consider the age of our audience, it is easier to do this because we are able to consider what is most important to them, and change the content of our speech accordingly. For example, when I speak to children, I try to use simple words and a positive tone to keep them engaged. When I speak with adults, I speak in a way that shows them I respect them. Furthermore, I’m more likely to talk to a child about cartoon television shows and movies, and to an adult about the news, the weather, or politics.

I believe that the “Using Technology to Communicate” section of the week 3 lecture also brings up interesting points about cultural co-communication according to the age of the listener (Week 3 Lecture and VV&S). Younger people, such as those from ages 5 to 30, are more accepting of technological communication. Older individuals would rather be contacted by snail mail or spoken to in person. Therefore, I think the mode of communication according to age is just as important as what happens in that communication.