100 Decibels

Category: communication

  • Caption Designs Over the Years

    With the recent reactions from the Deaf community and advocates about how hearing-owned companies selling caption glasses as well as using Deaf influencers to sell their product, I had the time to mull it over on why this issue keeps happening again.

    I’m all for accessible and inclusive AI and technology but it appears many of these are repurposed.

    Let’s look at captions:

    I recall when captions first came out, my parents purchased a caption box for me. We use them by connecting the cable to the tv and switch channels using the caption box. I was able to enjoy television by reading the captions.

    Eventually, tv’s had captions installed in them and caption boxes were no longer needed.

    Then there are captions for videos online.

    Then there were auto-captions leading to rely on AI.

    Then it became a tool the masses could use in their smartphones to access information and conversations around them.

    Now, captions are implemented in glasses.

    With the rapid rise of technology going caption boxes to caption glasses, the one thing remains is the design of captions are still the same.

    I’m not a designer, just a Deaf consumer who consumed these products.

    Also, I communicate in ASL.

    Over the years, these captions give one-way access to information then folks took this as an attempt to access conversations but it only achieved one-way access. And not inclusion where Deaf folks can be part of the conversations in their language which is sign language.

    So, I implore folks exploring access and inclusion using AI or devices to take into consideration how to contribute and create true access and inclusion where people can have conversations and interact in their languages especially sign language.

    I have yet to see this happen.

  • You cannot avoid conflict and here are 8 strategies you can do in a conflict

    Conflict is inevitable. I view conflict as sand paper. The more we go through it, the more it shapes us. But it takes a certain skill. Effective conflict resolution is an important skill for personal and professional growth. Here are some strategies for resolving conflicts:

    1. Identify the problem:

    Identify the problem by clarifying what the conflict is about. This can help to focus the discussion on the key issue.

    2. Active listening:

    Listen actively to the other person’s perspective. This can help to understand the other person’s point of view and find a common ground.

    3. Empathy:

    Show empathy by acknowledging the other person’s feelings and emotions. This can help to build trust and understanding.

    4. Communication:

    Use effective communication to express your own feelings and thoughts. Use “I” statements to avoid sounding accusatory.

    5. Brainstorm solutions:

    Work collaboratively to come up with possible solutions to the conflict. Be creative and open to new ideas.

    6. Evaluate the solutions:

    Evaluate the potential solutions and consider the pros and cons of each. Identify the solution that is best for both parties.

    7. Reach an agreement:

    Agree on a solution that is acceptable to both parties. Put it in writing, if necessary, to avoid misunderstandings.

    8. Follow up:

    Follow up to ensure that the agreed-upon solution is implemented and that the conflict has been resolved.

    In summary, effective conflict resolution involves identifying the problem, active listening, empathy, effective communication, brainstorming solutions, evaluating the solutions, reaching an agreement, and following up. By incorporating these practices into your conflict resolution process, you can successfully resolve conflicts and build stronger relationships.

  • Building strong relationships with others

    Building your network starts with relationships. Building strong relationships with others is an important aspect of personal and professional growth. Here are some tips to help build strong relationships:

    1. Communication:

    Effective communication is key to building strong relationships. Be open, honest, and transparent when communicating with others.

    2. Active listening:

    Listen actively when communicating with others. Show interest in what they are saying, and ask questions to show that you are engaged in the conversation.

    3. Empathy:

    Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Showing empathy can help build trust and strengthen relationships.

    4. Respect:

    Show respect for others by being punctual, keeping your promises, and being courteous and professional.

    5. Collaboration:

    Work collaboratively with others to achieve shared goals. Collaboration can help build trust and strengthen relationships.

    6. Positive attitude:

    Maintain a positive attitude when interacting with others. This can help create a positive environment and foster strong relationships.

    7. Give and take:

    Be willing to give as well as take in relationships. This means being willing to offer support, help, and resources when needed, as well as being willing to receive them when offered.

    8. Maintain boundaries:

    Set clear boundaries and expectations in relationships. This can help prevent misunderstandings and conflicts.

    9. Appreciation:

    Show appreciation for others by thanking them and recognizing their contributions. This can help build a sense of mutual respect and strengthen relationships.

    10. Be present:

    Be present and engaged when interacting with others. Put away distractions and focus on the conversation and the person you are interacting with.

    In summary, building strong relationships with others involves effective communication, active listening, empathy, respect, collaboration, a positive attitude, give and take, maintaining boundaries, appreciation, and being present. By incorporating these practices into your daily interactions, you can build strong and meaningful relationships with others.

  • 7 Ways to Build Resilience or Grit

    When you want to thrive in tough times, here are some ways to build resilience or grit:

    1. Practice self-care:Examples of these are:
      • Take care of yourself by getting enough sleep
      • eating healthy, and engaging in regular exercise. 
      • Practicing self-care helps improve your physical and mental well-being. It is essential for building resilience.
    2. Maintain perspective:
      • Try to maintain perspective and focus on the bigger picture. Remember that tough times are often temporary. You have overcome difficult situations in the past.
    3. Practice mindfulness:
      • Practice mindfulness to help you stay present at the moment. Also, avoid getting overwhelmed by negative thoughts or emotions.
    4. Build a support network:
      • Build a strong support network of family, friends, or professionals. They can offer emotional support and practical help.
    5. Reframe negative thoughts:
      • Work on reframing negative thoughts and replacing them with more positive and realistic ones. This can help you build a more positive mindset and reduce stress.
    6. Focus on your strengths:
      • Instead of your weaknesses or the things you cannot change, focus on your strengths and what you can control
    7. Set goals:
      • Set achievable goals for yourself and work towards them, even if they are small ones. This can help you feel a sense of accomplishment and progress, even in difficult times.

    In summary, building resilience in tough times involves practicing self-care, maintaining perspective, practicing mindfulness, building a support network, reframing negative thoughts, focusing on strengths, and setting achievable goals.

    What other skills that were not listed above that helped you build resilience or grit in tough times?

  • Skills You Need To Be A Better Communicator

    Learn these skills to be a better communicator:

    1. Listen actively:
      • Practice active listening by giving your full attention to the person speaking. This involves maintaining eye contact, asking questions, and responding appropriately.
    2. Be clear and concise:
      • Communicate clearly and concisely to avoid confusion or misunderstandings. Use simple language and avoid jargon or technical terms.
    3. Practice nonverbal communication:
      • Pay attention to your nonverbal communication as this can have a significant impact on how your message is received. Examples of nonverbal communication include body language and tone of voice.
    4. Use positive language:
      • Use positive language and avoid negative or confrontational language. This can help to create a more positive and constructive communication environment.
    5. Develop empathy:
      • Try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes and see the situation from their perspective. This can help you better understand their feelings and needs.
    6. Be open-minded:
      • Be open-minded and willing to consider different points of view. This can help to foster more effective communication and avoid misunderstandings.
    7. Practice writing skills:
      • Good writing skills are important for effective communication, especially in professional contexts. Practice writing clear and concise emails, reports, and other documents.
    8. Seek feedback:
      • Seek feedback from others to help you improve your communication skills. Ask for constructive criticism and be open to suggestions for improvement.

    In summary, improving communication skills involves active listening, clear and concise communication, nonverbal communication, positive language, empathy, open-mindedness, good writing skills, and seeking feedback.

    What skills will you take action on to be a better communicator? Comment below!