I think it is import to make sure everyone is involved in the situation. If you're on the phone and talking to multiple people at once it's important you know who's talking and what their relationship is to the converstation. Are they a parent? Are they the student? A spouse? etc. This will help you to respond to their concerns because you will have an idea to what their motivation is. I often jot down names as people introduce themselves in order to keep track of the conversation.
Within groups, I think active listening is very important. Not only making sure to make eye contact with the person ni the group who is speaking but also by being aware of your body language, asking open-ended questions to engage in further discussion, and by participating (not just spectating).
Well, the first thing is to choose a group leader who can maintain the flow of the discussion. It's most important to use good eye contact and make sure that every one in the group is getting an equal amount of time to talk.
When working with a group, I've always found that the best way to help them feel comfortable to share is by doing some sort of ice breaker. This of course depends on the group and type of meeting, but it always seems to work the best to put everyone at ease.
There are a few ways you can keep your communication with more than one person. First is threw eye contact. Look at people's eyes while you are speaking, make eye contact with the person who is speaking. Next keep your stance open, if you are standing make sure while you are speaking you move not just your head, but body toward those you are speaking to.
Focusing your communication when there is more than one person present is essential. You can do this by ensuring eye contact with with more than one person. Or, asking question of individual people in the group. Another way is to repeat the question before answering, if a question is asked.
In our work we do not work with groups, as the majority of our communication is done on the phone, but in general I would say that group work is about listening to each person in turn, and also allowing the individuals to learn from and engage each other as well as the leader. Your job would be to guide the conversation so that it stays on track and questions are answered. You can focus the communication by being prepared and having guardrails to steer the conversation in the way it needs to go.
Being intentional about the approach is the key to me. I think that active listening to each individual and not being judgemental about each person's thoughts is key. I also think that waiting patiently to take your turn is huge. If you are constantly thinking about your response then it might come out as a reaction instead or interupt others.
Eva, great point. Using eye contact is a great way to make sure you are connecting with each person in a group.
Dr. Jean Norris
The eye contact with the person speaking is really good to focus when theres more than one person, lisening and questioning are really good key I think is easier when theres more than one person.
Robert, sure that makes sense. Thank you for sharing this piece. I'm curious, what do you do to check the understanding of that individual within the group setting?
Dr. Jean Norris
I try to listen and engage with the group with my thoughts on the subject at hand. It always helps when you'er speaking with the individual whom you are answering. I also try not to have extended answers to questions or comments being made.
Clay, sure. That is a great point. I found that sometimes the group members can answer the questions that another group member poses which will enhance the group dynamic.
Dr. Jean Norris
It does make you think more about what type of questions to ask and how to ask them. Also, in interpreting responses from others.
Matthew,
It sounds like you have first hand experience! How do you encourage interaction when communicating in groups?
Dr. Jean Norris
Interaction is the key when comminicating in groups. It contributes to the energy level and enthusiasm in the room. That is what draws everyone into the discussion more fully and keeps them interested and mentally engaged, even those who do not necessarily participate phyiscally.
Great point Antonio. Eye contact is a great way to start building rapport with others. This will also help you ensure you are reaching each person in the group.
Dr. Jean Norris
I have been a teacher and a motivate speaker.So my strongest tool is make myself sure of what I want to say or hear and keep my eyes contacting everyone to observe who are following me and I sometimes use open ended questions to allow them express what they think and then restate and confirm their opinions which keep us all in the same direction.
Chloe,
Very well said! This is an excellent practice. Thank you for sharing.
Dr. Jean Norris
I try to make eye contact with each person throughout the conversation. I engage with each one by asking what do you think or a related question. If I have a parent in the group I do treat the student as an adult and ask them what they think before I ask the parent/guardian. It is important the student has a say in his or her education.
