Lorri, thanks for sharing. I really like your idea of how to set up or layout the room. I'm curious, can you further describe the leader and their body language?
Shannon Gormley
Where each person is important. A circle or a u shape sitting layout is best. One person usually is the leader and they can show this with their body language. Everyone should be acknowledged, however, the leader, or decision maker should be giving the most attention. Lorri Brown
Shannon,
Thank you for the kind words!!
Great response Amy. It sounds like you know how to approach more than one audience in your meetings. Keep up the great work.
Shannon Gormley
Great response Amy. It sounds like you know how to approach more than one audience in your meetings. Keep up the great work.
Shannon Gormley
Oh, yes this has happened before. I have been in situations where the parent wants their child to attend college, but the child has little interest. I have found asking direct questions to both the parent and child really helps. The child has the opportunity to express his/her feelings and goals with little interuption. I have discussed ROI. If the child does not feel ready or has little motivation, how successful will they be? Perhaps it is not time. It is my role to make this a positive experience. I make sure I am pointing out all the great qualities of both the parent and child.
Amy, that is great! It sounds like you are excited when a prospective student brings in any support. I'm curious, have you ever experienced a group where the group dynamic has been conflicting, where one member wants to be there but another does not? How did you deal with this situation?
Shannon Gormley
I enjoy meeting with multiple people in a student meeting. Perhaps they are family or friends. This shows me the students support group outside of school. I find having open communication and good listening skills with everyone in attendance allows for a better understanding of the students wants and needs. Positive body language and listening skills will show I truly care about the success of the student.
MIGUEL,
It looks like you'd focus on getting to know the individuals in your group first and then tailor more specific information to each group member as appropriate. How do you find this approach works for you in group settings and what do you think you might add to your interactions?
Shannon Gormley
Beginning of the general approach towards the particular and individual vision of the knowledge
Julius ,
Thanks for sharing your insights. You're right it is important to use your listening skills with each and every member of your group to help keep them engaged in the conversation and interaction. What listening skills do you find most helpful in these situations?
Shannon Gormley
I believe by using your critical listening skills to each and every person involved in the conversation.
Thanks for your insight, Meghan. The u-shape room set up can be helpful in engaging a group in activities and discussion. It naturally lends itself to eye-contact amongst participants and fosters an atmosphere that encourages open discussion.
The u shape is particulary useful! I also engage in eye contact and open-ended questions when dealing with large groups.
Thanks for sharing your approach, Tricia. Verifying accurate understanding of the message for all parties is an excellent practice. In addition to what we hear, it can also be helpful to note some of the non-verbal cues that see, hear, or feel with the group as well. It demonstrates another level of listening and your commitment to fully understanding what has been discussed.
I try to gauge who i am talking to for each topic based on information i already have, or what i am getting fom them, For example, if i have a husband and wife, and they have conveyed worry about who will take care of the children,while mom is in school;i generally direct anything that has to do with schedule to the husband, since he is the one who will help out while mmom is at school.
Absolutely, Faye! Taking time to connect with each member of the group may take more time, however, it's improving the quality of the relationship you establish with each individual and providing them with a memorable experience. Great work.
Thanks for sharing, Natalia. Engaging all members of the group in conversation is a great way to ensure you're including everyone. It's also fun to get to know the different individuals you are working with!
Make sure to do your best to connect and relate to everyone involved. This can be more work but in the long run can seal the deal. Eye contact is very important. Be sure not to leave anyone out!
I like to have conversation with diferent persons it very nice
