Jean,
Listening opens up so many information paths. It is an art to actively listen.
Tami,
Agreed! There is usually a "need" that brings them forward.
Brenda,
Another good technique is to repeat it back to them. Or, restate.
Listening is one of the most important tools to help you understand the prospective students' needs in order to assist and guide them enrollment process.
I think you have to make sure you are asking more than surface questions and find out how a student feels really about school, their future and the commitment they are making. Most people "want" to go to school but usually there has to be more than a simple want.
I feel that my position is to help make a difference in someones life. The only way I can meet their needs if to listen to what they are truly looking for. Sometimes they don't just say it right out loud so I must listen also to what they are not saying.
Dwayne,
I agree, patience is key to effective listening.
Edwin,
Listening is such an important skill set.
Candice,
This a big decision for many. Commitment is very important.
Cynthia,
Interesting...how do you know when you get the "real" answer?
Kim,
Listening is very important in communicating with others. Having the student repeat the message back to you is a good way to make sure they fully understand what you are informing them about.
Vera,
Excellent point! Often people are already working on their response not listening to what is being said. Also, check out their nonverbal signals. They can tell you so much!
After reading the material, I found out that having the able to listen effective is vital to listening is vital the success of a admissions representative. When listening, you should not rush, you should listen attentively and look for hidden clues within the statement from the prospective students. In addition, you should not just rush to the next question, just because the prospective student answered. Moreover, you may need to ask the same question in a different way, just to be sure the prospective student understood the question. and the point that you are trying to make.
This is so true. there are times one perspective student may explain something but you must listen very carefully to what they are really trying to say.
I agree as I have found that many many times a prospective is interested in the school but can't take that first step to become a student. If you listen to what they say and ask certain questions you will inevitably find the source of their fear in becoming a student for your institution. At this point you are able to work with their fears and help them feel safe it this decision.
I have found that in order to get the "real" answer to each question, I not only have to listen to what they are saying but continue to go about 4 questions deep (in the same question) in order to get the true answer.
Listening is key. An admissions representative should not just rush to the next question, just because they prospective student answered. One may need to ask the same question in a different way to be sure the prospective student understood the question.
