What I try to do is focus on the person that is speaking with me at the time and if the other person has something to say then I try to engage them as well, because they might ask questions that the other person forgot and vice versa.
I think you've identified a great place to start, Kate! Let me know how this works for you in future communications.
To start, I think you need to focus on whomever is speaking. Then I guess one would try to stay on the topic of the discussion. If it’s a group where personal information is shared, generally on person’s story is the focus of the whole group. I have to admit, I don’t know if I have the answer to this question.
These are all great tips for engaging the student and their support system, John! You mentioned that you might also take age into consideration when working with a group. How might you adjust your approach to a group of adults who have brought a friend with them?
I think it depends on the student and their age. if i have a high school student it is very important to engage the student as well as the buying power the student's parents. Reading body langauge of both focusing on the student but also understanding the parents perspective. not focusing eye contact on just one person asking questions to both student and parents. getting feedback from both.
Great approach, Samantha. I get the feeling that you work hard to consider each visitors perspective to help them feel more comfortable in a group setting. It also sounds like you feel that it is important that everyone has the opportunity to interact and contribute to the meeting. Keep up the good work!
My office is pretty small and makes it rather hard to meet with more than two people at one time. In cases where I have more than two people I will move the meeting to a more appropriate location. I also make eye contact with all in the group, ask questions of all individuals, and engage everyone in the conversation.
Absolutely, Jon. Asking questions to all parties is a great way to get the conversation started and also gather information from the group. I'm curious, what are some of the qualifying questions you typically use in a group setting?
Ask qualifing questions to all parties involved.
Excellent pieces of advice, Tovin. Thank you for sharing your experience!
A good way to communicate when there is more than one person is to maintain eye contact with the person that is talking, and ask questions about what they just said to let them know you are listening. Also when I am talking I make sure that I alternate eye contact with both people to keep them both engaged in the conversation.
Absolutely, I am always evaluating if I am reaching my audience. If the interest or particiaption is weak I see this as a sign that I must change my message or delivery in one way or another.
Class participation is certainly a good sign that your message is getting across in an effective way. Have you ever found you need to restate the information or do something differently to make sure they understand your message as intended?
There are many items to consider here. First what is the setting? What is the purpose? I always want a message that attempts to reach everyone in the room if I can. In my classroom presentation it is imperative that my message is one that will serve every student, not just the one I am trying to recruit. In many cases I will try to make them comfortable with something that will make them laugh with me. Now they are open to be involved in my presentation. It is really cool to ask a question of the group and a majority of students raise his/her hand to answer and participate in the conversation. Student particpation always let's you know if your message is getting resonating.
You mention two wonderful tools to communicate with groups. First, the room layout in the U shape is wonderful. I use this in training all the time as it allows for everyone to be engaged.
The second element of asking questions is also very valuable. This helps keep others engaged and gives them something to consider and respond to. Thanks for your thoughts, Syndia!
The set-up of our meeting places has usually U layout to allow everyone to see each other/have eye contact) as well as to promote everyone’s participation in the conversation. Asking questions also is a good way to engage the participants into the conversation.
Excellent approach! This may also encourage others to pay attention to all participants if they understand you'll be engaging them too.
I feel a good way to communicate if there is more then one person in a group. Is to have good eye contact with the person who is talking? After that person is done talking ask the group a question and get more people involved.
Looks as if you use several techniques to engage your students, Donovan. That's great news! Asking questions and making eye contact are useful to support engagement.
I'm also curious about the approach to having the family sit off the side. That's new to me. In your experience, what are the plusses and minuses when the family is sitting off to the side versus with you and the student.
Eye contact is key, Kristy. Making eye contact with each member in the group can help convey your interest. What other techniques might you use to keep the group engaged during your meeting?
