I understand your desire to eliminate miscommunication in email, Kelly. Have you ever had a student misinterpret your messages that are short and to fthe point? If so, how did you address this with the student?
There's no doubt that reading body language correctly can assist your ability to connect with others. What do you look for with body language to help you shift your tone and body language, Kelly?
I would like to develop my face to face communication as well as my written. I feel that I do more of the talking than listening which hinders the message that I am trying to get across.
That's great insight, Hope. I bet you'll find that when you hone your listening skills your communication will improve. What specifically would you like to develop in your face to face and written communications?
My writing method of communicating is what I would like to work on, because at time I find it difficult to express the sense of urgency in an email. The biggest challenge is making my words come to life and speak motivation, support and genuine concern for the student. I have sent out thousands of emails to students and to date I have never received a response,leading me to the conclusion that my emails just are not effective.
I will work on face to face communication. I need to be more aware of reflecting the other persons body language in a positive way and also be aware of the body language I am conveying.
Joy, let us know how it goes! We are always interested to hear results.
My communication skills are actually quite good already. However, with the volumne of calls I sometimes receive & students walking in to my office for information, my phone conversations tend to get short & concise, as some people just seem to have one or two short questions and don't want my whole pitch. I am only responding to their tone. When I have tried to go more in depth, they seem to cut me off & want to get off the phone.
Interesting insight Angela. It sounds like you are matching your prospective student where they are and giving them the information that they need without over-explaining.
I feel as though my face to face communication skills are good because I have worked with people for about 12 years. I can usually read people and I am very willing to work with them in every possible way to make them comfortable. However, my written communication skills are not good. I struggle with writing and sometimes will joke about things but in this profession, that could be viewed as unprofessional. Even something as little as sending an email to a new inquiry is a little more difficult for me than just calling them and carrying on a conversation. Therefore, in my emails, I encourage them to call me. I also keep my emails very short, sweet and to the point.
Great insight, Amanda. I get the sense that you're most comfortable with your face to face interactions based on your experiences. It's wonderful that you're awared of areas that you'd most like to improve. What are some things that you plan do to help improve your communication by phone or email?
Nonverbal communication is so important to monitor when interacting with others. I'd like to be sure my nonverbals are consistently open and positive.
Portia, that is great awareness and it sounds like you are on the right track. I'm curious, how will you check in with yourself to ensure your nonverbal communications are open and positive?
I agree! Face to face is very important!
I think being aware of my nonverbals is the 1st step to ensure open communication. But I'll be sure to keep an open stance...welcoming arms, consistent eye contact, leaning in toward the student to show I'm really listening and care.
I'm glad you agree Dianne. Yes, face-to-face communication can be important. Tell me, what do you do when you aren't able to meet with someone face-to-face?
It's great to hear that you want to be more aware of your nonverbal communication, Portia. It sounds like you've got a plan to get yourself started, too. Let me know how it goes for you.
I think that face-to face communication is an strong method due to it is possible to gain more information from the student and more confident.
Face to face communication is a wonderful way to get more information about the conversation (body language, facial expression, etc.). I'm guessing that you probably also work with students via phone and email, too. Since you don't have the luxury of seeing the student in those situations, what might you try to listen for instead?
I would like to develope written communication, because must of the time is more effecctive to reach the student through e-mails, it is very important for me to use the correct words and to expand the message with the correct idea.
