Mirroring or Modeling?
Which do you believe is more effective for communication? And why?
a. Mirroring your students' body language? OR
b. Modeling positive body language?
I can see where both are useful techniques. It may depend on the situation at hand. Mirroring is reflecting what the student's attitude is at the moment. If they are receptive and positive, then it is good to mirror them so they feel at home with you. However, if someone comes in with a cloud over their head, it is good to model a positive, upbeat attitude to give them some hope for their future at the school.
Charles, Thank you for your post. What if the student is modeling negative body language. Do you mirror that, or model positive behavior?
Elizabeth Wheeler
I believe it all depends on what you are trying to accomplish and the disposition of the person in front of you. If presenting, I would model positive body language. If trying to build rapport, I would most likely switch to a mirroring technique.
I believe that both are greatly effective for communication! Mirroring a students' body language can help to build a rapport. I believe it is less intimidating to sit down with someone who speaks and shows genuine interest. Rather, than someone who's communication seems scripted. Modeling positive body language is something you can never get enough of. It makes one seem empowered, confident, friendly, and trustworthy. Which can ultimately help to influence others to do the same.
Both are important but I think mirroring is very important. It assures the person that you are listening to them
I believe that modeling positive body language is the more effective form of communication between the two because you are leading the class/setting an example. As a leader, your job is to motivate students and to keep them on track and engaged.
Excellent, Shawn! Matching a student's body language, pace and tone is an effective way to build and maintain rapport!
Elizabeth Wheeler
I believe modeling positive body language is the most effective with the prospective students in this area. The reason I feel this would be the most effective is due to the lack of positive role models in the community we inhabit. Presenting positive body language can provide a stark contrast to what our student experience on the daily basis.
I feel mirroring a student is the most effective. I don't just mean body leanguage either, but also tone and pace. If someone is more mellow and speaks quieter/slower they may not feel as though they can connect with someone who is very a demonstrative, loud and quick speaker. Mirroring them and meeting them at their level typically works best for me.
For me modeling has always been a better source of communication with my students.
While I agree Mirroring your students body language can be effective in so far as making them feel more comfortable- I do have concerns that Mirroring can easily be misconstrued as mimicking (or copying) the student. I think the right idea is to model a positive body language- set the tone- and then mirror a few small characteristics that the student displays. This helps them to feel comfortable and confident while speaking and does not provoke negative feelings about being mocked.
Sadie, Great point! However, what if they are modeling negative body language?
Elizabeth Wheeler
For me, modeling positive body language is more important that mirroring the body language of a student. If we project a positive body language, then that should help to put the student more at ease, and the may start mirroring my body language.
Modeling your students' body language seems to be more effective. I feel like the students can tell the sincerity of the positive body language vs. just mirroring them. It's just like listening. Active listening isn't just quietly staring at someone while they talk, if it is sincere there is more to it.
I believe modeling a positive attitude is more affecting a prospective students attitude of the limitless possibility of their future choices i believe mirroring is best used to test if the student is receptive to what is being discussed
I believe modeling positive body language is more effective. They always looking at you on everything, the reason I say this is because your student may have negative body language so you want your posture to set the tone.
Mirroring your student's body language
Belinda,
You're right. Modeling positive body language and matching your pacing to that of the student is the key to continued rapport. Thank you for your post!
Elizabeth Wheeler
Yes, there are times when the student doesn't "follow along" and it is important to slow down and change tone of voice so that they can slowly open up and share their information. We must watch their body language and find the common ground to have better communication.
