Boomers Project 3

How Boomers Communicate:

How Boomers Communicate Effective Communications Presentation #3 Heidi C ockrell Stephanie D eshong Kim H oward

Each Boomer Team Member Conducted an Interview:

Each Boomer Team Member Conducted an Interview Heidi interviewed Martha C. who was born on 4/18/1946 Stephanie interviewed Missy R who was born on 7/26/1962 Kim interviewed Cheri S. who was born on 5/30/1961

     What was this generation’s primary method of communication with family and friends when they were between the ages of 18-30? (Phone, mail, face to face, etc.):

What was this generation’s primary method of communication with family and friends when they were between the ages of 18-30? (Phone, mail, face to face, etc.) All three individuals interviewed said the telephone, two listed the telephone as their primary method Cheri said face-to-face was her primary interaction Two mentioned letters as a way to stay in touch with friends and family who lived far away

What was considered new technology that made communication easier when they were between the ages of 18-30? :

What was considered new technology that made communication easier when they were between the ages of 18-30? Martha said that CB radios were new technology used during traveling Missy said touch tone phones and answering machines were new technology for her between ages 18-30 Cheri stated that pagers and car phones were new technology for her

What stereotypes exist about this sub-culture that they aware are of? (These could be common misconceptions about what they did for a living, how old they were they got married, etc.):

What stereotypes exist about this sub-culture that they aware are of? (These could be common misconceptions about what they did for a living, how old they were they got married, etc.) Some stereotypes from that time period were: Women get married and raise children Husbands managed finances and made major decisions Old fashioned – not up to date with the times Expected to have children early

Do they agree or disagree with these stereotypes? If they agree why do they agree? If they don’t agree why don’t they agree?:

Do they agree or disagree with these stereotypes? If they agree why do they agree? If they don’t agree why don’t they agree? All three individuals who were interviewed disagreed with the stereotypes! Believe women should have a career if they want one Marriage is a partnership Women should get an education They support technology changes Believes you can have children at whatever age you choose

How did they handle conflict management personally and professionally when they were between the ages of 18-30?:

How did they handle conflict management personally and professionally when they were between the ages of 18-30? Let the other person voice their opinion, listen and be courteous Come to a satisfactory agreement for everyone Changed with society, adapted with the times Just dealt with the situation. Unlike conflict resolution, conflict management seldom has a resolution

Did that style of conflict management stay with them into their later adult years or did they modify it based on the current changes in society?:

Did that style of conflict management stay with them into their later adult years or did they modify it based on the current changes in society? Martha said yes as we mature we gain a better understand and view situations in a different way Missy changed with society and adapted with the times Cheri said she thinks her conflict management style has stayed the same; she does not like to argue

Do they believe that we were an individualistic or collectivist culture when they were between the ages of 18-30?:

Do they believe that we were an individualistic or collectivist culture when they were between the ages of 18-30? We had conflicting answers for this question. Martha said collectivist culture; there was a sense of community. Neighbors worked together and helped each other out. Missy and Cheri said they grew up with and individualistic culture

Has that belief changed as they have gotten older?:

Has that belief changed as they have gotten older? Martha still believes in a collective culture; joining together to create a strong community Missy said no that belief has not changed since she has gotten older Cheri said no she thinks the United States will always be individualistic, it’s one of the things that makes us great

What modern mode of communication are they most comfortable with? (computer, cell phone, texting, etc.):

What modern mode of communication are they most comfortable with? (computer, cell phone, texting, etc.) Martha uses them all and they have become a large part of her life (computer, cell phone and texting), she depends on texting Missy said computer Cheri said she uses all forms of technology on a daily basis: email, computers, chat, texting and Facebook (all from her Smartphone)

What is the most amazing thing that they have experienced in their life as a result of positive changes in our society?:

What is the most amazing thing that they have experienced in their life as a result of positive changes in our society? Martha stated the ability to communicate in a variety of ways, from sending pictures to taking videos. Memories can be saved to share for generations. Missy said Skype and digital cameras Cheri said having the world at her fingertips via the Internet