Body Language
How effective is body language in admissions. I know that we are judged on non-verbal communication, but can students really tell how we feel by the way we sit at our desk?
Jennifer, Great insights! What do you do to make sure your body language is positive?
Elizabeth Wheeler
Body language can tell a student a lot about your mood or attitude. Your body language can welcome a student if it is positive or quickly make them too uncomfortable to approach you.
Katelyn, GREAT insight! It's so important to pay attention to this, like you are, and evaluate your values and goals with your role. If you are having a bad day, what can you do to turn that around for a student meeting?
Dr. Jean Norris
Students can pick up on our emotions. If they feel that you don't want to be there for some reason, why would they want to be there.
Jason, Excellent! Thank you for posting your experience in the forum!
Elizabeth Wheeler
Funny you should ask. Over the last couple of days I have been actively using the mirroring technique with a client who our organization really needs to "get with the program". Not sure if the technique deserves all the credit, but the client is certainly making strides!
Jason, Nice tactics! It shows that you are actively engaged in the conversation. How does this align with mirroring/matching?
Dr. Jean Norris
If I may, a great mentor of mine used to use the lean in, lean out technique: When you are talking to them lean in over your desk, pick up a pen and use your hands to make a production of the point you're making. Conversely, when your student is speaking, lean back and put the pen down on the desk folding your hands and using your facial expressions to show your interest. I like the old eye-brow raise whenever I hear someone make an interesting statement about why they are seeking to change their life.
Elliot, Great awareness! What are some of the things you do to make sure your body language is portraying the correct message?
Elizabeth Wheeler
Absolutely! My colleagues and I have discuss this topic several times before. Prospects are looking for someone who shows them interests and treat them of importance.
Cristina, Great question! Can you tell by someone's body language when they are not interested in you?
Elizabeth Wheeler
