Intergenerational Communication: Piecing the Styles Together Rebecca Barsetti, Marsha Cowan, Brandon Lance, Courtney Pike

Overview  Introduction  Ice Breaker  Talking about my generation Veterans / Matures Boomers Generation X Generation Y / New Millenials  The Communication Predicament of Aging Model  Effective ways of communication  Quiz  Communication Accommodation Theory  Activity

WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?

“The greatest discovery of any generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitude.” - William James

Talking About Generations Veterans / Matures – Makes up 5% of workforce – “Sacrifice” Boomers – makes up 45% of workforce – “Work”

Talking About Generations Generation X – Loyal to people not to companies – Carpe Diem approach Generation Y / New Millenials – Technologically savvy – “Go get it” and “Why not me?” attitude

Loss of personal control and self-esteem Lessened psychological activity and social interaction Loss of personal control and self-esteem Lessened psychological activity and social interaction Constrained opportunities for communication Reinforcement for age- stereotyped behaviors Constrained opportunities for communication Reinforcement for age- stereotyped behaviors Modified Speech Behavior Toward the Older Person Stereotyped Expectations Recognition of Old Age Cues The Communication Predicament of Aging Model (Nussbaum, et al., 2005) Encounter Older Person Changes

“Each generation imagines itself to be more intelligent than the one that went before it, and wiser than the one that comes after it.” - George Orwell

Communication Accommodation Theory “People tend to mirror each other’s communication styles to display liking and respect” (Coupland, Coupland, & Giles, 1991). Stereotypes Accommodate Convergence Divergence Overaccommodation

“The influence of individual character extends from generation to generation.” - Macleod

Communicating Between Generations What the other generations say about Generation Y: – Silents: they have good manners, they’re smart little critters, they need to toughen up, they watch too much T.V. with crude language and violence – Baby Boomers: they’re cute, they need more discipline from their parents, they can set the time on the VCR!, they need to learn to entertain themselves; they need too much attention, can they do my web page for me? – Generation X: Neo boomers, here we go again – another self-absorbed generation of spoiled brats

“Every generation needs a new revolution.” - Thomas Jefferson

References Hummert, M. L., Garstka, T. A., Ryan, E. B., & Bonnenson, J. L. (2004). The Role of Age Stereotypes in Interpersonal Communication. Handbook of Communication and Aging Research, Marston, C (2007). Motivating the "What's in it for Me?" Workforce: Manage Across the Generational Divide and Increase Profit. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. McCroskey, J. C., & Richmond, V. P. (2000). Applying Reciprocity and Accommodation Theories to Supervisor/Subordinate Communication. Journal of Applied Communicatin Research. 28, 278. Nussbaum, J. F., Pitts, M. J., Huber, F. N., Krieger, J. L. R., & Ohs, J. E. (2005). Ageism and Ageist Language Across the Life Span: Intimate Relationships and Non-intimate Interactions. Journal of Social Issues. 61, Reynolds, L., Bush, E. C., & Geist, R. (2008). The Gen Y Imperative. Communication World. 25, Du Pre, A. (2005). Communicating About Health: Current Issues and Perspectives, 162.