That's great awareness Nathan. Having a well-balanced communication style that includes both written and verbal techniques could help you to connect with more students. Thanks for posting.
I will work to develop my communication through writing. I oftentimes find that since I prefer to speak with people over the phone or in person, my writing may come off as too short and succinct and may give the person the impression that I am too busy for them or don't sympathize.
Having the ability to effectively communicate through multiple methods can certainly help you connect with your students. I'm curious, do your students clearly communicate their preferred mode of communication? If not, how do you know the best way to communicate with them?
I will develop my email skills. Since, I don't use them often, I want to assure that the students are recieving effective communication thru all our my resources.
I agree that having face-to-face conversation, is better to understand messages. However, email is a great tracking device for commuication, whereas face to face contact, people can easily retract or forget statements.
Timarra, that sounds like a great plan! Let us know how it works for you.
Dr. Jean Norris
I am going to practice my phone skills and take my time composing emails. Thank you, Dr. Norris for asking :)
Timarra, that's great awareness. Based on that, what is your plan to effectively communicate on the phone and via email?
Dr. Jean Norris
Thanks for sharing this Kristine. Email communication can be difficult but it sounds like you have a plan to move forward which will ensure the receiver understands the message the way you want.
Dr. Jean Norris
Thomas, that is great awareness and it sounds like you adjusted to meet the needs of your employees. Keep up the great work.
Dr. Jean Norris
While I would prefer face to face communication, I find that telephone and written communication seem to be most common these days. With that being said, I will have to work on both telephone and written communication skills.
I will work on my communication that has to be sent in email. I need to define my purpose and be clear and concise with my messaging.
I believe I have improved my face to face and phone, my hardest is written.
I think in this day and age where we have to multi task just to stay up, I find myself in the same case as Brian. I have to really concentrate. I have a sign on my desk that says "Be here now". This has helped me.
I believe this is an area I need improvement in. I have been working on all three areas so I can become a better communicator. I feel I have improved and can communicate with my direct reports better depending on the individual, w2here as in the past I communicated one way and they had to adjust to me!
Telephone communication, be more prepared when making the call so there are no hidden overtones when speaking with prospective students
Candis,
It's great if you have the ability to learn a little about the caller before conducting the call and using your best telephone skills including the smile, will help you to build rapport throughout the call.
Dr. Jean Norris
Although telephone communication is not always the best way to go with relaying messages because of this there are ways to get around it. What I do is I always remember the voice with the smile wins. I use my best telephone etiquette and try to empathize with the person on the other end. It is sometimes difficult to percieve and transcribe what the party means by their tone of voice. A good rule of thumb is to find out a bit about your caller if the call is a scheduled one. Knowing their personality will help to clear up misconceptions sometimes
The most important thing to remember is a friendly cheerful tone. You also must smile as the person on the other line will believe it or not see it come through on the other side, same way they can hear a lack of enthusiasm and know when you are anxious by your tone. Use a mirror if you must to make sure you are smiling while on the phone.
The first method of communication I will work is my interview. Because although I am aware of body language I did not realize mirroring and body language is the most important thing in the interview.
I am going to watch my body language to make sure I am not threatening and also that of my appointment to make sure they are comfortable with my body language and open and comfortable.
What is the best position when beginning an interview?
