I beleive that modeling positive body language is the most effective form of communication. I think in certain interactions you can progress to "mirroring" the student's body language; but to be on the safe side you should always start the conversation out with modeling positive body language.
Sarah, thanks for sharing. I wonder, what would you do if a student doesn't follow your modeled behavior?
Dr. Jean Norris
I believe modeling positive body language is more effective for the simple fact that I want to show the students the positive notes that we have at our school.
I feel it is more effective to model positive body language. Anything other than positive body language will have negative effects on everyone. I have also seen that it helps to mirror the person's style of speaking. If they talk really slow and you talk really fast you will probably lose them in the conversation. I had a coworker who was phenomenal at doing this. He was also one of the top counselors every single month.
Elizabeth, interesting point. I'm curious, what would you do if you had a student that doesn't follow you with the positive body language?
Dr. Jean Norris
I agree that modeling positive body language is important. I feel like I need to set the tone for the meeting every time a student walks into my office. My body language and attitude will set the stage and can either make the student feel more comfortable or more nervous. I have noted a few times when I adjust my posture the student will actually mirror me and adjust their own.
Hi Scott, your answer makes perfect sense. I wonder, would there be another trait that could be mirrored if they had negative body language?
Dr. Jean Norris
I believe it depends on the student and is a case by case basis. If your student is not very interested and is slouching, it is very important to model positive body language, good posture, etc. to convey importance and confidence. If your student is engaged in the conversation it is important to mirror your student's body language to creat rapport with that student.
I agree Whitney and I too believe that modeling positive body language is important because it displays the genuine interest in their life. For me it is an honor to gain the trust and learn about their life!
I believe that mirroring positive body language is more effective because it shows professionalism and gains trust. If done properly and with respect to the student I believe you can quickly gain rapport and then transition to mirroring the students' body language to make them at ease and comfortable to speak freely.
My answer would be to mirror the student's body language unless the body language was negative. If this was the case, I would shift my body langauge toward a positive tone in order to get the conversation back on a positive note. I would not mirror any negative or offensive body language.
I agree Brian. Good leadership/modeling is so important in many, many areas. Maxwell says everything rises and falls on leadership.
I think it is more important to model positive body language, because I am trying to develop hope for the future and confidence in my ability to help them get there. The student needs to be able to see that I am confident and positive, and that they can also have a positive outlook. That being said, there are appropriate uses of mirroring their body language as well, especially when showing empathy and establishing rapport. My body language needs to reflect what my words are saying, whether it is "Come on! Let's go! I'll help you!" or "That's rough. I understand. Wow, that must hurt."
I believe being on the same page page with your student is an example of mirroring your student's body language and promotes effective communication. When someone leans in while they are listening, then lean as well while you are communicating with them.
I think that modeling the correct behavior is more important when you are the one "leading" the meeting, and Mirroring is more important when you are not the one "leading " the meeting. For example, when you are the enrollment counselor interviewing a student for the posibilty of admissions, you are the one they are comming to for answers. In this case you should also provide them with answers to questions that may not be spoken; like modeling the correct body language. When you are not the person leading the meeting you should follow the example of the person that is in charge.
I believe the more effective way for communicating is modeling positive body language. Students coming to school for the first time look to someone they can trust and feel secure and when that someone is positive and exudes confidence along with a great attitude, it helps to breakdown initial barriers.
I believe modeling positive body language is so important. If I start to mirror a student who is displaying negative body language, I do not think it will be effective. My goal is to display positive body language like leaning in and not having my arms and legs crossed by showing I am open minded and accepting of what the student thinks. Additionally, I will be displaying that I am very interested in the student and their life.
I really think it depends on the situation. In a sense mirroring my student's body language is most effective because it shows that we are in agreement and that I understand at least on some level what they are talking about. But positive body language is paramount. Positive body language only trumps mirroring when the student has poor or negative body language.
I believe that both are equally as important. You have to be careful in "Mirroring" body language because if the student is showing signs of a negative response, such as crossing their arms or legs, you don't want to "Mirror" this behavoir. This means that you are both not open to what the other is saying.
If the student is not conveying positive body language, the appropriate response would be to make sure that you are portraying positive body language it might be a good time to try to get their temprature through open ended questions and clarify to know that they know that you are listening to the concern or the area that they have an objection.
I believe that modeling body language would be more effective because it sends more of a positive output verses mirroring your students body language.
