Dianne, you are correct reading people can help you understand others. I am curious, what specifically do you do to read your students on a daily basis?
Reading people is a very useful tool in understanding what the person you are listening to needs.
Important awareness, Amanda. You're definitely not alone in this. Many admissions professionals have the same challenge with silence. I love the lesson in your post. As children, we're taught to stop, look and listen. Why not use this as a reminder for ourselves before meeting with students? Thanks for the awareness.
Paying attention is definitely important when reading people, Evelyn. I love the fact that you also believe being a good listener helps you to read people. Tell me, what is it about listening that offers you clues in reading people?
Paying attention to people and good listener
I simply talk to much:( Sometimes, I will talk to avoid that awkward silence that might occassionally happen. I can typically bring a quiet person out of their shell, but I need to be more into reading their body language. Therefore, I need to slow down, look and listen.
Joy, it is great that you are aware that different signals may mean different things depending on the person. Just being aware of the different signals is the first step.
Reading people is a continuous challange as no two people are the same. I can improve my ability to read people by being aware of not only what they are saying but the other signals are sending. Signals such as posture, appearance, eye contact. However, I need to be aware of how I interpret these signals. Someone who does'nt make much eye contact could be nervous, or they could just be shy.
Working to improve your ability to read people is sure to increase your connections with others Ashleigh! It's amazing how a person's tone and body language can completely change the message sent. What will you do to improve your ability to read people?
That's great, Jason! What are some of the bodyblanguage clues that tell you the student is interested and engaged?
I can improve my ability to read people better by actually listening to others and paying attention to body language and what it really means.
For me its all about body language. I present information to high school seniors in the class room so i really look at body language to see who is engaged or interest.
Ania, body language can be used as an important "tell." Great point. What specifically have you done when you react to a person's body language?
Pay attention to body language it says a lot.
Like with the active listening, I can make a conscious effort to do it. Somehow, I could remind myself to make a mental note of everything – appearance, body language, how they speak – and put it all together. It’s easy to jump to conclusions without taking in the whole picture, but to improve this skill, I need to take the time to notice everything. It is something that will take a great deal of practice for me.
I get the sense that you've discovered that you may be a bit selfish in your communication approach, do I have that right? It's great that you have the desire to focus more on the needs of others, especially when working with your students, Mina. How will you know if your communication has drifted back into serving your needs rather than the needs of others?
You're right, Mina, body language can be a useful tool in reading others. I'm curious, what specifically will you do to remind yourself to be more observant of body language in your interactions?
Always a bit too selfish. This certainly will help me focus on the needs of otjhers.
Mina Paul
I agree. Never focused on body lanquage. Very useful tool.
Mina Paul
What a great idea to record your next family reunion, Maricelly. Observing those closest to you can provide a great deal of information when it comes to reading people. I'm curious, what key skills do you anticipate introducing or addressing with your family and how do you think they'll react?
