Thanks for sharing Eileen. Yes, body language can certainly give you clues as to how a person feels. I'm curious, has there ever been a time when you were modeling positive body language but the other person pick up on your cue?
Dr. Jean Norris
I agree with you. I believe as well that modeling positive body language would be more effective when communicating. Body language can show feelings to other people, which works in return for other people. People who show their body language to you can reveal their feelings and meanings.
Modeling positive body language is more effective in my opinion. Depending on the age group you serve, they might not be aware of what is appropriate and what is not. In this case, modeling might be most effective to exposing them to what is appropriate.
Chloe,
Interesting! Do you have a specific example of when you did this?
Dr. Jean Norris
Yes :) I agree. Sometimes you can make a negative experience a positive one by doing the exact opposite. thanks
Chloe,
It's great to learn what NOT to do from others, too, isn't it? :)
Dr. Jean Norris
I firmly believe in modeling positive body language. If we look bored or bothered the student will quickly pick up on that. I always remember one counselor I had while in College. She was a bitter and angry women. I dreaded going to that department. I would try to solve my issues myself just to avoid her. I want to be nothing like that and I remind myself all the time.
Perla,
Great thought on using both mirroring and modeling but how do you know which to use when?
Dr. Jean Norris
I believe both mirroring and modeling are effective for good communication. Although, I think using modeling behavior more often is better so that the other person can pick up your positive body language cues.
Thanks for sharing Brittany. Body language can play an important role in building rapport with another individual. I'm curious, when you come across those students with the folded arms, what do you do to start building that bond with them?
Dr. Jean Norris
Hi Jean,
I believe that both are important, but the most important in my opinion is Modeling positive body language.
As stated in Modules one, body language covers 55% of communication components which is over half of the capacity it takes to communicate effectively. If you really think about it mirroring your student's body language may not always be the best thing to do because the student may be upset with their arms folded. That would not be an example of body language that I will want to mirror.
Thanks Brian. In your example, can you talk further about the student leading the class with bad behavior. How would modeling or mirroring work in that situation?
Dr. Jean Norris
I believe modeling positive body language would be more effective for communication because people tend to model the behavior of the most influential person around them. I have noticed over the years that classes tend to have behavior patterns similar to the strongest persona in the class. So I always impress upon my instructors that if they want to maintain control over a class’s behavior they must be looked at as the leader of the class. There is always a student that is willing to lead the class with good or bad habits. As Zig Ziglar says if you let someone else row your boat they are going to take it where they want.
Claire, interesting point. Yes, modeling positive behavior promotes professionalism. I wonder, what would you do if you are working with a student that doesn't follow your lead?
Dr. Jean Norris
I believe that Myself being the professional should not mirrow the student body language, so that we can keep a positive attitude in helping the student to improved and become successful in their education
brenda,
It sounds like you do your best to model the behavior that you expect in return from the students that you work with. I get the sense that this helps you to build rapport and develop a meaningful relationship with your students. Keep up the good work.
Dr. Jean Norris
I feel Modeling body language is far more effective for me, because I see a variety of people and some are shy, laid-back or aprehensive. Then you have the individual that's confident, secure and has worked in the workforce for years, but now finds themselves out of work due to the economy and hasn't been to school in 30 years. So in each scenario, it's up to me; to inspire, motivate, relate, give examples of students that also had similar situations, but they graduated from the program and were able to re-enter the workforce in the Allied Health Field. I've had people crying in my office because I believed in them, when they didn't believe in themselves. Or, they thought they were too old to go back to school. During my tenure here, my oldest student was 62 and she's been at Kaiser for 5 years now, she was hired from her externship. All things are possible, if you only believe!
Great insight, Dominique! Mirroring can defintely help to establish a relatibility between you and your students. You know what they say, "people like people who are like them". Keep up the good work with establishing connections with your students.
Shannon Gormley
I believe Mirroring is more effective communication when your student is really intrested in what you are talkin about because it shows them that you can relate to them!
Great observations, Michelle. This actions can say a great deal about where your focus might be in a conversation and will contribute to an immediate disconnect with the other person. Paying attention to the subtle cues that body language offers you is important, especially when face to face. How might you address these cues with another person?
Shannon Gormley
