Engaging all members of a group in your conversation is a wonderul way to build commraderie amongst group members. You're right, open ended questions do help get people talking and opening up to one another. I'm curious, how might you respond to a group memember that avoids answering your questions or engaging in conversation?
I agree, it is essential to engage each person involved in the discussion. Asking everyone involved open ended questions is a great way to get all persons involved. Also, it works to get other people to comment on the statements others have contributed.
Excellent observations, Andrew. Involving all members of the family in an appropriate way is a great way to demonstrate that the thoughts and opinions of everyone matter. It sounds like you take care to involve all parties in the discussion in respectful and tactful ways. Keep it up!
I relate to this topic, primarily from the perspective of the dynamic of the family interview. I feel that in this area one must not be to rushed to get through the communications process that constitutes the interview. Everyone has to be "given their due" or you will have an attention drop out very quickly. An example of this would be when one of the parents leaves and goes out to the kitchen or garage as they didn't feel they were needed or included. One should interview the student, being careful to get the parent's input and opinions at every workable opportunity. Sometimes one member of the interview is very outgoing, even aggressive, and will try to dominate the interview. Hopefully it's the student, but if it's not, it calls for tact to give them attention but not let them steal the interview from their son or daughter.
It is important to show an open stance; coordinate body language with verbal message in order to captivate the attention of the audience. It is significant to have eye contact with each participant. It is essential to engage the audience into the conversation becomes them active and interested. Create a dynamic presentation is the key that allow to success.
Great practice, Amanda. It looks like you put a lot of thought into how a group interaction might go and what will be important for each of the participants. Using a round table for these meetings is a great way to allow for interaction from each person. What are some other ways that you engage the group?
I like to use a round table which allows all people to see one another and participate in the conversation.
Thanks for sharing your ideas, Ruth. Offering your attention to all parties is a great place to start when working with groups. Ideally, you're modeling the behavior that you expect from the group. I'm curious, how do you know when you've got everyone's attention?
You focus on making sure they both are understanding, or at least paying attention to whatever it is that you are trying to convey.
These are great places to start, Zulma. How would you use eye contact and body language in a group to engage all participants?
Eye contact,body language and be focus
Great observation! Listening is one of the most important skills that we can use when communicating with others. It's great to focus your attention on those you wish to communicate with in a group. How do you ensure that your focus on select individuals doesn't alienate others in the group?
I belive when you are having a conversation and there id more then one person you focus by just listening . You focus your attention on just whom you wish to communicate with and you make direct eye contact with them.
Sounds like a great start, Cinthia! What are some of the techniques that you use in your interactions with groups that helps to get everyone involved and interested in the topic?
Make sure to actively involve all of your participants in the conversation so you can keep them alert and interested.
Hi Nora! Thanks for your response. I am going to respond to all three of your posts. Working with a group can be difficult but I like that you try and focus. I'm curious, could you describe what you mean by using body language with a group?
ASK FOR FEEDBACK FROM THE GROUP
FOCUS, LISTEN AND REFLECT, BODY LANGUARE
Thanks for your honesty Doreen. Yes, working with a group can be difficult. Have you tried using your questions and eye contact to engage both parties?
This is where I have a problem.
How do I handle- two prospects when one is very interested and the other clearly not?
I feel if I ask he/she to leave the room I would be vaidating the negative responses.
Doreen
