Brandy, it sounds like you use a mirroring technique in order to build rapport with your students. I do like the plan you have discussed in order to make sure that you are understood in your communication. Keep us posted with the results.
Dr. Jean Norris
Jamie, that's great awareness. Humor is tricky because of the risk of misinterpretation but it sounds like you have a plan to move forward.
Dr. Jean Norris
Ed, it sounds like you have a plan in order to improve those communication methods. Keep up the good work.
Dr. Jean Norris
Michelle, absolutely. It also helps you remember what was discussed and connect with the student. Great job.
Dr. Jean Norris
I'm going to work at improving all three of my methods of communication--face to face, phone, and written.
I really need to work on my written communication. I can write well but I often belabor it too long making revisions so I don't miscommunicate.
I will work on developing my telephone communication since it is the primary method I use for communicating with students. More specifically, it is important for me to eliminate distractions that are around me so that I can really listen to what the students needs are without being distracted by my surroundings. When I become distracted, I can miss important information and opportunities to respond or relate to specific needs a student may have.
I will focus on te tone of my voice when talking to prospects on the phone. Also I will try to makes sure that I do not give them to much information on the first call. Making sure that my tone is correct is critical to make sure that they will feel comfertable and will be able to trust me durning the call. I also need to make sure that I am ready for any unintended consequences that might arise.
Brandy:
Having some experience in radio I can tell you this is a common problem. One technique that helps is to focus on your breathing. Be sure to breath between sentences (or thoughts) it adds great pace and slows you down. In fact, you will feel more relaxed too. :)
I think the method of communication I need to develop more is my phone communication. It is easy to sound scripted in our job, where we literally have a script to work from. It is also difficult when we are answering call after call, saying the same thing over and over. I am sure that by the end of the day this exhaustion can be heard in my tone. I would like to inject more of myself in my phone calls, so that students know they are talking to a real person and not a robot. When I do this I am more successful.
The method of commincation I will work to develop will be, words. I definitely try to be funny and sometimes my sarcastic sense of humor gets misunderstood. Generally, these messages are sent without much preparation and unknown unintended consequences.
I think my voice tone is the method that I need to develop most, both face-to-face and on the phone. Even though my words and intent are genuine, I catch myself sounding very uninterested or scripted. I'm sure as I also continue to improve and develop my listening skills, I will be able to better understand and connect with my students, as well as other relationships in life.
Telephone is my major tool. It is important to be very clear and create a positive, upbeat experience so the student remembers me and the school during their decisions process. I am going to wrok on a list of keys for each call.
I really like the idea of adding some personalized comment to the initial correspondence that I send out after the first phone contact. This is a great way for my students to feel like I have really listened to what they have said.
I will work to develop my face to face communication because no matter how much you prepare, anything can happen when you are face to face. You may know that body language is so important but sometimes subconsciously your body language can be giving off the wrong signals and you do not know it. You can prepare and edit emails and script your phone conversation, but face to face I believe will always be a conscious effort that to have the right body language and voice tone.
The method of communication that I will work to develop is my phone communications. I am able to build report and many times mimic the other persons communication style. One exception is that sometimes I speak quickly and others have a hard time understanding what I am saying because I am speaking too fast. This is my downfall. However, I have recognized it and now am very aware and make an effort to speak slower and pronounce my words so that I am emphasizing the pace at which I am speaking.
Corynne, that is great awareness and it sounds like you have a great plan to practice your body language. Great job.
Dr. Jean Norris
I feel that I need to work on face to face communication because sometimes my body language may portray the wrong message to people Im communicating with. I tend to cross my arms which can unintentionally give a negative image. Learning how to portray a positive one with a relaxed stance, a smile, and direct eye contact will help to effectively deliver my message without misenterpretations.
Tiffany, sure. So tell me more about what your plan is to create value on the phone.
Dr. Jean Norris
My phone communication. I want to make sure that I am creating value for the student.
