Jeff,
I agree that audience analysis & reading the room is one of the most important skills.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Andrea,
and I think understanding effective communication helps to write or speak clearly.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Andrea,
that is a great strategy & as you said, helps communicate the "nonverbals" in nonverbal environment.
Dr. Ryan Meers
the ability to read the student. thats the most important
I actually teach online, so my "voice" has to be in written form. But I agree, how I choose to communicate (and what) is vital to the success of the class.
Since I do most of my teaching Online, I think one of the most important skills is non-verbal communication. I often use emoticons and exclamation marks to ensure the students understand my level of excitement and genuine enthusiasm for the class.
Cynthia,
this is very true & sometimes we send mixed messages without realizing it. We need to make sure we are in agreement with ourselves.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Thomas,
and I would add that it's the mark of a good instructor that you've learned to read those expressions & respond to them.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Paul,
you are very right that these three are vitally important communication skills.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Surgical technology is a tough subject; there is a lot of information in a short period of time. Therefore, I offer tutoring to my students, if I tell the students to take advantage of the tutoring sessions but I say it with arms crossed and a frown on my face they will know I really don't want to be bothered.
Body language is most important in my opinion. Words and body language can work against each other.
After teaching for nearly 20 years, I've learned that it's important to get a good read on where ALL of your students are at, in terms of comprehension of the curriculum. Sometimes I have moved too fast and then realized a few students may need more time. So patience is a vital communication skill. I've also learned that students of different cultures may react in different ways, so I shouldn't jump to conclusions based solely on body language or lack of eye contact.
Eye contact, jesters, and voice tone are three important communications skills for all instructors to employ when presenting. Eye contact with each student helps to communicate you care about them and at the same time enables you to determine if the student is grasping the information you are delivering. It also helps to keep the student attentive because they know you are engaging them silently, thus they will be less likely to drift. Your contact should be 2 to 3 seconds at a time before you move to another student.
Jesters are great to add animation to the class and help deliver the material; however becoming to carried away with your jester, where your arms are flailing, can overpower the presentation and students begin to see an out of control instructor. Let jesters flow naturally and when you think you need to use them.
Voice tone/inflection help to accent material you want to bring attention to or not bring attention to. News caster are very good with the use of inflection in delivering their content. For instructors it is important to deliver using good voice and inflection when necessary.
Sheena,
you are very right on your points here. The variety we incorporate into our presentations & teaching help to communicate even more effectively.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Key word being "diverse", I believe it is important to mingle multiple communication skills into your delivery as the instructor. You must utilize a strong vocal presense, be it loud or soft, deep or high, or many of these depending on the situation. Your voice should command the attention of the whole class, and that is just one component. You are also communicating with the class on a physical level. The students are literally watching every move you make once your voice has gotten their attention. This is where it is necessary to smile, make eye contact, and use your whole body as you speak. Moving around the class room truly does spark interest in the students. "Oooh, what is she doing, why is she walking over there?" goes through their minds as you take slow steps across the room while lecturing. You are also communicating with the students throught your attire, habits, mannerisms, and attitude. All of these things come together to communicate with your class!
James,
I think this is a great way to encourage better speaking & writing skills, through modeling as well as assignments.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Clearly speaking is paramount to the teaching experience for me and my students, it is a two way street. I have students that have trouble answering a question in class, but when one on one discussions come up, I see their understaning clearly. For these students, I try to ask focused questions.
Second, I would say writing, I try to put things in writing so my students have a hard copy. When it comes to their writing in return, more than a few have problems. I do see more than my fair share of poor writing skills.
I have hope that modeling the speaking and writing skills I am requesting in return, does not go un-noticed.
Shannon,
you hit on many great aspects of good communication here. I like to emphasize that aspect of speaking clearly as it is so vital, especially in classes with an ethnically diverse student group.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Gilbert,
yes our body language is a key to reinforcing what we say & especially if we want to portray an attitude of openness.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Kelly,
I agree that humor is definitely a useful tool & can greatly aid in retention for our students.
Dr. Ryan Meers
Kelly,
Great discussion question you pose. I completely agree that prep is the key to effective delivery & effective instruction. I like to review all of the relevant & leading materials on the topic so I know I have a good foundation for the content.
Dr. Ryan Meers
