Interpreting Others' Communication Preference
What might you do when interacting with a student or colleague if you are unsure about their communication preferences?
Take your time and ask questions.
Interesting. What is your specific goal in asking questions? In other words, what do you hope to learn about communication preferences and then what will you do with that information?
Skillful open-ended questions help me to read a person in terms of how they respond (verbally and through body language). Then I adjust my approach to match what I have observed.
Jean, what do you think?
That's an interesting approach, Rick. The idea of asking open-ended questions hopefully will allow someone to share information in which you can learn more about them. It also appears you are watching other signs to learn more - this is great! One's body language can tell a lot more than the words can and you may find you build a high level of rapport by taking this extra step.
When communication with other that we think don't quit understand first, we must listen to them for todays generation have their own terminology of speaking their own language that we don't understand so therefore we must meet them at there level in order to communicate.
How they feel and what they think bring conversation and open up a topic for discussion.
Good insights, LInda. It sounds like you try to get a sense of where the other person is coming from in order to interpret the communication preference. Meeting the other person where they're at can help to foster a comfortable atmosphere and open them up to sharing more information.
Student have there own way of talking these day so in order for us to really get and understanding we have come down to there level and us there terms in order to communicate if not it appears they don't understand so meeting each other half way makes communication better
Great awareness, Marlene. It sounds like you make a concentrated effort to meet the student in their model of the world with your communication. I'm sure that this helps you to have a better understanding of what the student wants and needs and ways that you can address these.
When enteracting with a students I don't understand I fist give them time to see if I can understand and listen to them. If I don't understand I will seek help from other staff members that are Bi-langual to make the process easier.
Interesting approaches, Himberson. It sounds like try very hard to open yourself up to a student despite your differences in communication. I also get a sense that you have strong relationships with others on your team and feel comfortable asking for help when needed. How does this typically work for you?
Once identifying the language , that I am not fluent in I would find someone who speaks that language, are assist me with the student.
Ricardo,
It sounds like you and your team do the best to communicate with your students in a way that makes the most sense and helps to increase their level of comfort with your team.
Shannon Gormley
It may be confusing sometimes to determine the preferred communication style of a student or a co-worker because they may use many styles. In this context, I would ask them how they want be reached. At this point, I know their preference. Otherwise, I am inclined of using the most current styles, such as phone, face-to-face, email, and letter/memo based on the message I want to convey. To some extent, the millenials are easier to identify. However, one can be surprised of how much the baby boomers know because computer and internet have been invented on their watch.
Ferline, I like this direct approach. By asking the question, you don't have to pick or choose the communication style. Keep up the great work.
Dr. Jean Norris
I would first speak with the student/colleague and understand their educational expectations and goals.
That's great Karla. What types of questions do you ask to determine their educational goals?
This is why we get to know each and everyone of our students when they walk in the door. Everyone learns differntly. My age may be from one generation but the way I learn and speak may be from a totally different one.
Taking the time to get to know your students and understanding their communication preference can help you in many ways. How do you adjust your communication to match the student's preferred communication style?
Use active listening skills, ask open ended questions, and read their body language. Mirroring will also help build communication.
