That's great awareness Tracy and a good plan. I find keeping a notepad in front of me at all times allows me to jot notes down to prepare for my call and during the call. How can you hold yourself accountable to your new plan?
Dr. Jean Norris
Definitely the Communication Formula. I have a tendency to return calls without thinking of an objective. I can see where this would not be a good practice. Preparing, just writing simple notes, will keep the conversation on track and make the objective clearer. Also making notes during the conversation, using their name or some insight, will make the conversation more personal if I recall details when I recap or summarize the conversation.
I get the sense that you understand the importance of making a connection and building rapport on the phone. You're right, sometimes the person on the other end of the phone can be preoccupied and making a connection can be somewhat difficult. Have you tried making small talk and simply asking questions to find out more about the other person's interests? As you pointed out, the other person may begin with a lack of interest, but if you ask good questions and learn more about them you will have the opportunity to find a common interest that you will both find interesting. Give it a try and let us know how it works for you.
Dr. Jean Norris
I would like to develop and create a better way to show my rapport on the phone with other people. I sometimes struggle to achieve a good connection with the other party, either due to their lack of interest in the subject, the fact that they may be pre-occupied and/or establishing a venue that would allow myself and the other party to connect on a higher level, which would in turn allow both parties to become more apt to engage in conversation about whatever topic is deemed necessary and to whomever the other party might be on the other end of the phone call.
Erin,
It's great that you are open to trying new things. Keep us posted on how things go!
Dr. Jean Norris
I will use Telephone to develop my communication. I feel this is somthing that I will struggle with at first because of the challenge of keeping the converstaion on track.
Hi Charles. Can you explain more specifically what you mean but "the only solution is time?"
Dr. Jean Norris
I have considered using other medias, but many people don't have the software, knowledge or time to commit to these means. In a time of multi tasking and on the run contacts, I feel the only solution is time.
Charles
Charles,
Thanks for sharing your insights. Have you considered combining the face-to-face with telephone via Skype or another venue?
Dr. Jean Norris
Jeana,
It's definitely important to have a goal of the phone call and a way to manage the call successfully. I'm curious how you handle the callers who have a plan of their own though?
Dr. Jean Norris
We have a script that we use that keep the admissions team on track during the phone call. We give an outline of important facts to cover in the phone call. During training, we always discuss telephone techniques and how to best utlilize them.
I have always been a face to face person. I have always accomplished a great deal when I can interact between people. In today’s environment though, I do see a need for phone conversations. It is not my strong point, but I am getting better with more practice. For whatever reason, I do enjoy speaking to people and there again feel more is achieved because ideas and thoughts are able to be relied right then and there.
That's great awareness James, especially with many students preferring email or text to communicate. It seems that your face-to-face communication is working well for you, so what can you translate from your verbal language to your written communication to help you improve your emails?
So true! What do you do to keep the lines of communication open with your students?
Sometimes it simply being aware of our body language that helps us to make changes to better communicate with others. While a new chair may help, what can you do until then to remind yourself to demonstrate positive body language?
I feel that I can work on my written communication. I feel confident when discussing topics with students face to face but feel that sometimes I lose some ground when trying to communicate in writing. I try not to use large vocabulary but also don’t want the student to think they are receiving an email from a three year old so I try to find a good middle ground but feel as though it is lacking.
I think that the Communication Method and skills are so important to your students. You want to keep the lines of communications open with them at all times.
The method of communcation I will work to develop is my body language. I tend to slouch. It's not meant to be rude but my back starts to hurt after sitting in my chair all day. If I remember to, I do inform my students of why I slouch. But sometimes I don't always think about it. Guess it may be time to order a new chair.
That's great awareness Stephanie. What phone skills do you want to improve?
I would like to develop my telephone communication skills. While I develop great relationships with people face to face, I could use some extra help with phone communication.
