Russell, Sounds like you are great at meeting with groups. Keep it up!
Elizabeth Wheeler
I must evaluate each person in the group depending on their need for attention and communication. dividing attention specific to the one who is asking a question, and relating the answer in an effective manner that benefits not only the person asking the question but to the entire group. I think that understanding the common problem of the group will help efficiently address each individual situation, given the fact that issue of the group is unified. if the individual within the group has a unique issue, then dividing the focus to each individual and personalizing the answer to communicate effectively with that person, but also allocating focus evenly to each within the group
For interviews when a student will come in with both parents, I make sure to get all of their names so that I can address each person. Secondly, as I talk and focus on everyone. I ask if they have any questions several times and answer each person as questions are asked. I keep the body language open and make everyone feel part of the process.
inviting them to participate in a group conversation.
I think it is important when you are dealing with more than one person to have them seated in a way that you can meet each of their eyes when speaking directly to them. I find that when a student comes in with their parents it is good to focus on things with the parents, but it is also very important to make sure to maintain eye contact with the potential student. Alot of times I think people focus too much on the parents and leave the student out of the conversation. I do like the U shape or I have a round meeting table in my office that I use for larger groups.
Wanda, Engaging everyone is the best practice! Thank you for sharing!
Dr. Jean Norris
the way to focus your communication when there is more then one person is to have eye contact with the student, while engaging them and their buying comitee.
Tyler, Using questions to engage is a best practice! Nicely done!
Dr. Jean Norris
When presenting to large groups. I use positive body language to loosen the crowd, and then use questions to engage once I have earned the trust of the room.
Asmir, Addressing each person is key, great job!
Dr. Jean Norris
I would make sure that I’m addressing both students. The way of doing that is by asking open ended questions from one and then the other.
Zachary, That sounds like a great way to get groups working together. What is the feedback from your groups on this communication style?
Dr. Jean Norris
Often I get the group to communicate to one another to focus my communication. Often, one can retain memories and gain knowledge better if he/she assists works to teach another. Therefore, I get group members to assist one another in different roles. That way, they can help each other to learn the topic matter while working on their own to find the solution to a problem.
ALICIA, Thank you for sharing. Eye contact is extremely important. What other forms of communication do you think are important?
Dr. Jean Norris
Eye contact is the best way of communication in a group
Kevin,
This is an excellent technique! Thanks for sharing!
Dr. Jean Norris
If in a class with more than one student present then communicating with the first question asked. Then making sure that I restate the question, answer the question and making sure that the question was answered to their approval.
Interesting point, Julie. How you think the student feels sharing personal issues in front of the group?
Dr. Jean Norris
On the occasion that I have multiple people together for an initial appointment, i take the time to acknowledge each person and why they are there. For example, I ask each individual what their goals are, why now is the time to make this happen, etc. Yes, they are part of a group, but at the same time, there may be personal issues that want to have a chance to discuss.
Marianne, Exactly correct. Everyone deserves to be heard and understood. It sounds like you have experience, can you share an example of a time when you were communicating with a group and it went well?
Dr. Jean Norris
