I think that the Communication Method and skills are so important to your students. You want to keep the lines of communications open with them at all times.
I feel that I can work on my written communication. I feel confident when discussing topics with students face to face but feel that sometimes I lose some ground when trying to communicate in writing. I try not to use large vocabulary but also don’t want the student to think they are receiving an email from a three year old so I try to find a good middle ground but feel as though it is lacking.
Sometimes it simply being aware of our body language that helps us to make changes to better communicate with others. While a new chair may help, what can you do until then to remind yourself to demonstrate positive body language?
So true! What do you do to keep the lines of communication open with your students?
That's great awareness James, especially with many students preferring email or text to communicate. It seems that your face-to-face communication is working well for you, so what can you translate from your verbal language to your written communication to help you improve your emails?
I have always been a face to face person. I have always accomplished a great deal when I can interact between people. In today’s environment though, I do see a need for phone conversations. It is not my strong point, but I am getting better with more practice. For whatever reason, I do enjoy speaking to people and there again feel more is achieved because ideas and thoughts are able to be relied right then and there.
We have a script that we use that keep the admissions team on track during the phone call. We give an outline of important facts to cover in the phone call. During training, we always discuss telephone techniques and how to best utlilize them.
Jeana,
It's definitely important to have a goal of the phone call and a way to manage the call successfully. I'm curious how you handle the callers who have a plan of their own though?
Dr. Jean Norris
Charles,
Thanks for sharing your insights. Have you considered combining the face-to-face with telephone via Skype or another venue?
Dr. Jean Norris
I have considered using other medias, but many people don't have the software, knowledge or time to commit to these means. In a time of multi tasking and on the run contacts, I feel the only solution is time.
Charles
Hi Charles. Can you explain more specifically what you mean but "the only solution is time?"
Dr. Jean Norris
I will use Telephone to develop my communication. I feel this is somthing that I will struggle with at first because of the challenge of keeping the converstaion on track.
Erin,
It's great that you are open to trying new things. Keep us posted on how things go!
Dr. Jean Norris
I would like to develop and create a better way to show my rapport on the phone with other people. I sometimes struggle to achieve a good connection with the other party, either due to their lack of interest in the subject, the fact that they may be pre-occupied and/or establishing a venue that would allow myself and the other party to connect on a higher level, which would in turn allow both parties to become more apt to engage in conversation about whatever topic is deemed necessary and to whomever the other party might be on the other end of the phone call.
I get the sense that you understand the importance of making a connection and building rapport on the phone. You're right, sometimes the person on the other end of the phone can be preoccupied and making a connection can be somewhat difficult. Have you tried making small talk and simply asking questions to find out more about the other person's interests? As you pointed out, the other person may begin with a lack of interest, but if you ask good questions and learn more about them you will have the opportunity to find a common interest that you will both find interesting. Give it a try and let us know how it works for you.
Dr. Jean Norris
Definitely the Communication Formula. I have a tendency to return calls without thinking of an objective. I can see where this would not be a good practice. Preparing, just writing simple notes, will keep the conversation on track and make the objective clearer. Also making notes during the conversation, using their name or some insight, will make the conversation more personal if I recall details when I recap or summarize the conversation.
That's great awareness Tracy and a good plan. I find keeping a notepad in front of me at all times allows me to jot notes down to prepare for my call and during the call. How can you hold yourself accountable to your new plan?
Dr. Jean Norris
I find it very easy to communicate when I have the person in front of me but I struggle sometimes to focus in listening to their concern when I have to multi-task ie..answer a lead call or have 2 people in front of me or get a phone call that they may want to cancel from the program I struggle to transition back to my upbeat self. I eventually do but sometimes I find hard and that's something I need to work on.. Any advise you can offer..
It makes a lot of sense that you struggle to focus your listening when you multitask because the reality is that we can't truly listen if we are multitasking. The challenge is to be able to focus on one thing at a time and still keep all the plates spinning. You also mention the struggle to transition after a disappointing call. I would like to open that one up to the forum because I'm sure there are many great suggestions out there. I know people who have visual touch points in their offices to remind them to smile and be positive with every person they meet, things such as photos, inspirational messages, etc. Vina what visual reminder can you give yourself to remember to start fresh and positive with each interaction?
Dr. Jean Norris
I use the face to face method, i used my body movements and tone of words to help them out and make a educated decision about our school.
