"Your actions speak louder than words" I know I have to mindful of how my nonverbal is communicating with my verbal. A lot of times I've told that when I'm thinking and my nonverbal actions is saying I don't want to be bothered. I know now I have to be more aware
Carefully paying attention to body language and voice tone.
I feel that reading someones body language and hearing what they are saying makes all the difference in the world; not only do you show that you care but that you are also listening to what they are saying.......I think by doing those 2 things makes a great way to read people and for them to read you.
Michelle, Excellent! You are correct: listening both to what is being said, and what is not being said. Thank you for posting!
Elizabeth Wheeler
A way to improve my ability to read people better, is to not only pay attention to body language, but also what is being said. To me that speaks volumes.
Catherine, It sounds like you really care about your students and keeping that rapport, which is great. Nicely done!
Elizabeth Wheeler
I try to be aware of the various gestures, postures and vocal attributes of the people with whom I am speaking. I am constantly learning from each person, which helps me to refine my skills. I build rapport by discussing mutual interests and try to get the student to relax. If I detect changes in body language, I would adjust my presentation to accommodate those changes. If I sense students are tuning out, I try to rebuild rapport.
MARTA, Great awareness! Keep it up.
Dr. Jean Norris
Personally I could try to improve my ability to pick up on the suttle details while someone is talking such as jittery lega or eye wandering. Even how I can interpret their questions or answers.
Again, great awareness, Virginia. There can be cultural differences, but in general, what are some specific ways that you think you can read people?
Dr. Jean Norris
I feel this I the hardest thing to do. I am not good at reading people. I also believe that actions of people in a culture mean something different in another... sometimes.
I suppose I have to observe more.
Virginia
Zachary, That is very true. You remember the old saying, "Actions speak louder than words", right? What can you do to be more aware of body language?
Dr. Jean Norris
I think pausing and "stepping back" from a situation will help me to read people better. Often, a meeting or event goes by quickly, and I do not reflect on how a person acted with his/her body language. Sometimes I focus only on what was said. However, when I take time to think about a persons body language, I usually am more apt to understand the situation better.
Evie, It can be hard to read people, you're right. So how specifically will this information help you a lot?
Dr. Jean Norris
Most of the time I am able to read people, but there has been some that are really hard, And I am not sure how to handle them. Now with all this information it will help me alot.
Latico ,
These are all great ways to read people. How specifically will you improve upon these skills?
Dr. Jean Norris
When shaking hands use palm to palm hand shake which shows that you are honest or genuine, do not crush their hand.
Use eye contact, don't avoid eye contact people may think you're rude or dishonest.
Don't judge anyone's appearance, pay attention to detail and body language.
Asking great questions to understand your student is a good approach. Outside of what they tell you, what else can you do or be aware of to improve your ability to read people?
Dr. Jean Norris
Asking him/her a lot of questions about wants and needs, Also questions about the persons past, present, and future. To see and understand where they come form, where they are now, and to see who they want to become in the future.
Great plan! Let us know how it works out for you May.
Dr. Jean Norris
