I would like to work on all aspects of my communication. I am comfortable with face to face communication however when it comes to telephone communication I am lacking confidence in my delivery. I also need to work on improving my written communication since there are students who do not have to much time when they come in to obtain information. I found it interesting that I was recommended to write down the information and send it to the student and then schedule an appointment to discuss important topics in depth.
It sounds like you plan on taking a comprehensive approach to improving your communication, Dianna. That's great! What might you do to increase your confidence in your communication delivery in each area?
I plan on working with my face to face communication skills. I get a bit nervous when I actually have to talk to people in person sometimes, so I need to be aware of my body language since that sets the tone the most when speaking face to face with someone.
I agree that if you start building on your listening skills, it will defiately help better relationships with co workers and friends. The fact that these individual realize you are paying attention to them and are actually listening...builds on good standings with that individual.
I definately agree its important to check over any written communication. Sometimes even having someone read what you are typing helps, or reading it to them out loud. When this happens, you sometimes catch your own mistakes without even having to have someone else's input.
This is great awareness to have, Tiffany! It can be a bit unnerving to talk to another person face to face for the first time. Being aware of body language cues can help when you try to set a positive tone and also connect with the other person. If you can mirror the other persons body language to a certain extent, you can demonstrate that you are more alike than different. Alot of times this can help put people at ease and open up a bit more. Good luck as you work to improve your face to face skills!
Excellent practice, Tiffany. It can be extremely helpful to run your written communications past someone with "fresh" eyes! Not only can this person look for errors - they can also help you make sure that you've established the right "tone" in your written communication.
Wonderful awareness, Tiffany. It sounds like you see a great benefit for your personal and professional interactions when you improve your listening skills! People appreciate the opportunity to be heard and it's pretty special when you can offer that to another person.
I have been working on my phone skills. I need to develope my inflection and enthusiasm. It seeks to be working. I have been getting better responses. I feel comfortable with my emails, they have been working for intial introductions.
I have some anticipation just before a meeting then find after a couple minutes I am more relaxed, afterwards I always wonder why I felt the apprehension.
This is great awareness, Michael. It sounds like you've been practicing injecting enthusiasm into your voice during your phone calls and you've noticed improved responses. I'm curious, what specifically have you done to develop your vocal inflection and enthusiasm while on the phone?
Interesting insight, Michael. Meeting someone for the first time can cause a certain amount of anxiety for many individuals. It's important to be aware of how this makes you feel and at what point, specifically, you feel you are more relaxed. Having this knowledge can help you adapt your process to help put you and your student at ease more quickly.
I have listened to my own voice mails to hear how I sound when leaving a message. I have had others listen while I am talking to give me feed back after a call.
I would have to say face to face is where I need to concentrate. I do seminars for a living and to hear how important body laguage is was an eye opener. I know I need to work on my body laguage to ensure I am sending the right message.
Great observations Tracy. It sounds like having an increased awareness of your body language can help you in your work. What specifically will you work to improve with your body language to ensure you're sending the right message?
My telephone & face to face communication are very strong. I need to work on better written communication. I am sometimes very busy & feel my written communication isn't given the appropriate time needed to convey the proper tone & message.
Attitude! It is something we don't realize may be affecting our presentation, but does in a big way.
Absolutely, Stephanie. It's amazing the impact attitude can have on performance. What do you do in those instances that you feel your attitude waning?
I love to communicate with people, but my favorite way is also face to face, that way I can see their reaction.
I will develop my email communication skills. They could be stronge and less emotional
