Dan,
That is a great solution that may really have an impact on helping you focus. It is hard with distractions however by limiting those...you can make your face-to-face communication stronger. Great insight!
Dr. Jean Norris
I feel I have the same issue. I have strong face to face communication, but I always feel as if I forgot something I wanted to discuss or bring up due to outsside distractions or lack of concentration. The also tends to have me ask others to repeat themselves or having to repeat what I was saying because I am not communicating my point clearly when I am thinking about other tasks I have going on or coming up. Closing my office door and prioritizing things I need to get done during the day have helped.
Interesting Brittany. When the two people on the phone have a common agenda or purpose, it would be difficult to get side-tracked, but when the plans differ, that sounds like when you may run into problems. I wonder, what could you do to help get you and your student on the same page?
Dr. Jean Norris
Maria, thanks for sharing this. I'm curious, what specifically about the phone helps you achieve your goals?
Dr. Jean Norris
Perla, that is great awareness. So you are looking to create a new plan in order to have a little more structure to your interview. Do I have that right? By doing this, you can also have an agenda to let the students know what will be covered throughout your meeting. Let us know how this new approach works for you.
Dr. Jean Norris
Hi Jean,
I feel as though I should work to develop my over the phone skills. As presented in the slides I believe my problem is that it is hard to keep the conversation on track. I may have a list prepared with the items I need to cover, but the recipient may have another plan. Therefore, the conversation takes a turn and then she/he has to hang up.
The most common form of communication that I use is by telephone.I try to give the best impression because this is favorable to achieve my goals and to give a good impression of the company
I will work on my face to face communication because I tend to lose focus and jump around topics too much throughout the interview, so I need to devise a more structured approach.
Chloe, that is great awareness and thank you for your honesty. Sometimes sending a quick email might be easier, but making the phone call can really allow you to connect with that other person. Great job.
Dr. Jean Norris
I need to work on my telephone skills. When a student ask to email and call I usually just email. I have noticed you make a better connection over the phone or better yet in person. We need to stop hiding behind our computers.
Thanks for sharing this tip Joseph. It is helpful to make sure that the reader understands the message that you are trying to convey. Please keep us posted as to your success.
Dr. Jean Norris
I will work on keeping any message I send (email, letter, etc) as simple as I can, as not to confuse or cause misunderstanding.
I have also tried to isolate myself and the other person communicating. Closing the door and taking the phone off the hook. I don't do that unless it is extremely important. Given how the legal environment is that can be a dangerous thing to do. Some communications I filter such as questions. When someone comes to me with a question they need to have an answer as well before I will discuss it with them. It just cuts back on excessive back and forth debating. Most of the time people tend to answer their own questions.
Brian, that is great awareness. Distractions tend to be an issue for a lot of people - you are not alone. I like that you are using the repeat technique as that can help make the conversation a little more clearer and make sure you actually heard what the other person said. What other techniques have you found to be helpful?
Dr. Jean Norris
Thomas, thanks for sharing this point. That is great awareness on your part. I'm curious, what steps will you take to plan out those interactions prior to meeting with your students?
Dr. Jean Norris
The method of communication I will work to develop is face to face. I chose this method because I have a hard time concentrating while doing this. I tend to have at least three different things going on at any given moment. This tends to get me distracted while conversing with others and causes me to have people repeat what they just said or I don't fully comprehend what people are saying to me.
I will work harder at my face to face communications. I am guilty of having confidence in my ability to communicate so I do not typically plan my interactions before I jump right in.
Stephanie, thank you for sharing this. That is great awareness. Tailoring each message, both verbal and written, is just another way to continue to build rapport with your students. I am sure they appreciate that added touch as well.
Dr. Jean Norris
After reviewing this module, it made me aware that I have become lazy in my written communitcations with my students. I have been using this as a quick way to "get it done". I will work at structing an email format to create refined statements, ensuring my students inquiries/concerns/needs are being met in an effective and concise format.
Great ideas, Arilton. In many cases the person you are mirroring won't pick up on the fact that you're doing it. They'll be more aware of the fact that you seem "like" them and this will help them to relax and feel more comfortable with you. A great way to practice to increase your own comfort level is to try this with family and friends. It gives you the chance to practice in a setting where you feel comfortable. Good luck!
Dr. Jean Norris
