How can you build communication skills for a more diverse and inclusive volunteer team?

1 Understand your own communication style

The first step to improve your communication skills is to understand your own communication style and preferences. Are you more direct or indirect, assertive or passive, formal or informal, verbal or nonverbal, task-oriented or relationship-oriented? How do you express your emotions, opinions, and feedback? How do you listen and respond to others? By being aware of your own communication style, you can identify your strengths and weaknesses, and adapt your style to different situations and audiences.

2 Learn about other communication styles

The next step is to learn about other communication styles and how they may differ from yours. For example, some cultures may value high-context communication, where meaning is conveyed through context, tone, gestures, and silence, while others may value low-context communication, where meaning is conveyed through explicit words, facts, and logic. Some cultures may prefer indirect communication, where messages are implied, hinted, or softened, while others may prefer direct communication, where messages are clear, straightforward, and blunt. Some cultures may emphasize harmony, respect, and hierarchy, while others may emphasize equality, autonomy, and debate. By learning about other communication styles, you can avoid stereotypes, appreciate diversity, and communicate more effectively.

3 Adjust your communication style

The third step is to adjust your communication style to suit the needs and preferences of your diverse and inclusive volunteer team. This does not mean that you have to change your personality or values, but that you have to be flexible and respectful of others. For example, you can adjust your communication style by using more or less words, being more or less direct, using more or less formal language, using more or less nonverbal cues, being more or less emotional, being more or less task-oriented or relationship-oriented, depending on the situation and the audience. By adjusting your communication style, you can build rapport, trust, and understanding with your diverse and inclusive volunteer team.

4 Ask questions and listen actively

The fourth step is to ask questions and listen actively to your diverse and inclusive volunteer team. Asking questions is a great way to show interest, curiosity, and respect for others, as well as to clarify any doubts, misunderstandings, or assumptions. Listening actively is a skill that involves paying attention, showing empathy, reflecting back, summarizing, and providing feedback. By asking questions and listening actively, you can learn from others, avoid miscommunication, and improve your communication skills.

5 Seek feedback and improve continuously

The fifth step is to seek feedback and improve continuously on your communication skills. Feedback is a valuable source of information that can help you identify your communication strengths and weaknesses, as well as areas for improvement. You can seek feedback from your diverse and inclusive volunteer team by asking for their opinions, suggestions, and criticisms, as well as by observing their reactions, responses, and behaviors. You can also give feedback to others in a constructive, respectful, and honest way. By seeking feedback and improving continuously, you can enhance your communication skills and your performance as a volunteer.

6 Celebrate diversity and inclusion

The sixth and final step is to celebrate diversity and inclusion in your volunteer team. Diversity and inclusion are not only about acknowledging and respecting differences, but also about valuing and leveraging them for the benefit of the team and the cause. You can celebrate diversity and inclusion by recognizing and appreciating the contributions, skills, and perspectives of each team member, by creating a positive and supportive environment where everyone feels welcome and included, by fostering a culture of learning and sharing, and by having fun and enjoying the experience. By celebrating diversity and inclusion, you can strengthen your communication skills and your volunteer team.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?