EAP 126: Conflict, Culture, and COVID-19 - Communication Strategies for Complex Situations

Summary: Dominique Kennedy, a speech language pathologist and communication expert, joins us on this episode of the Early Accountability Podcast. Dominique helps people with their communications differences and needs to strengthen the words they use in the world and strengthen their relationships. She has her own private practice where the assists people who want to increase their communication abilities and she also works with school-aged children to develop their communication skills and strengthen any areas of weakness. At some point in our lives, all of us come to a point where we need to have a difficult conversation with someone for some purpose. Dominique points out that the most effective method of approaching this conversation is to be open to what the other person has to say and to expect a positive result. Think through what you are going to say, how you are going to say it, what your body language will be like, and practice your delivery ahead of time to ensure that your message gets across. In this time of coronavirus, it is especially important to remain connected to those we care about, even if we cannot see them in person the same ways we are used to. Be intentional about how you are really doing and in communicating with children about what is going on and give them space to talk about how they are feeling. Listen to their thoughts and concerns and then use their remarks as a springboard for continuing the conversation. Regarding the other big conversation topic in America right now – racial injustice – Dominique emphasizes mindfulness and sensitivity when communicating with others. Of primary importance is being willing to listen, understand, and learn from those you come in contact with before trying to communicate your message. Being considerate, honoring one another, and respecting the differences among us as Americans is a crucial first step to any kind of ongoing communication and reconciliation. An interesting dynamic that Dominique has noticed is that many businesses are taking public stands against racism, but many of them stopping short of really taking any meaningful action to back up their statements. She recommends that you take a deeper look at what they are saying and what they are doing before continuing to support their businesses. Topics Covered in this Episode: • COVID-19 • Racism • Open communication • Relating with others Connect with Dominique: https://www.dominiquekennedy.com/ https://www.instagram.com/dom.knd/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=634870705 https://twitter.com/Dominiq64770318%20