5 Ways to Communicate Clearly When Teaching

Written by Richard E. Dodge

If I ask an American to describe a football game, I’d get a description of one kind of athletic event. But if I ask an Italian or South American the same question, the answer likely would not be quite the same. The ball, rules, uniforms, and even the playing field likely would be much different. Same words, but a different message.

Teaching adults in Sunday School can work the same way sometimes, especially with younger adults. Today’s church - and therefore our adult classes - are made up of people with different cultural backgrounds. Even when coming simply from a different part of our own country can create communication gaps.

Teaching effectively means we need to be aware of several communication essentials that can help or hinder the teaching-learning process. While some of these suggestions may vary in different cultures, the heart of this article is to help you become more sensitive to clarity in communication.

Identify cultural norms. If your class has people with different cultural backgrounds, you need to find out first how teachers function in the native environments of those who attend your class. A class with several Korean Americans, for example, may view the teacher with a high level of submission and respect and never question the message or motives of the instructor. Indeed, this person may disapprove of the behavior of another member who wants to ask why something might be true.

Choose gestures carefully. Hand motions and other elements of demonstrative behavior can carry unintended meanings. Gestures can distract from the content if the motions are extreme. Learn from participants how gestures influence the message you want to communicate.

Use the correct words. Languages vary, including how some American English words are converted into other languages. Be very careful when introducing new vocabulary in a class with people who were born into other cultures. Often, facial expressions will tell whether you’ve said something that is confusing or inappropriate.

Watch your tone of voice. Certainly we want to communicate with variety in our inflection and tones. Being conscious of the tone of voice can help us avoid sounding hostile or irritated. How you respond to questions is a good measure of your tone of voice. Are you warm or cold? Hostile or welcoming? Passive or aggressive?

Choose words based on your intentions. I learned that communication comes not only in what we say, but in what we may not intend to say. Our choice of words or how we say something needs to be influenced clearly by consciousness of our intentions. Playing the “devil’s advocate” role in teaching can mislead participants if they think I’m being serious. So when I choose this role, I choose to exaggerate the conversation.

Teaching to communicate is not always easy. Some teachers simply cast their message upon the minds and hearts of learners and hope that what they intended takes place. Fortunately the Holy Spirit translates some of our messages in positive ways. However, we are responsible for how we communicate when teaching as well as what we choose to say. Make every effort to communicate clearly and intentionally.

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