Antonio, I'm glad you feel that way. Working with a group can be beneficial because others can share their experiences too and so there may be more collaboration versus one person talking. Keep up the good work.
Dr. Jean Norris
Maria, that's a great point. Keeping the interest of everyone in the group can be difficult, but it sounds like you will try to make the conversations a group effort and engage each person. Great job.
Dr. Jean Norris
I would say that communicating with groups is easy,contagious and socializing. You come up with open topics and get to know from each individual their view point and if you form part of that conversation you are giving a testimony, evidence and a starting point like breaking the ice to set a thread of opinions,and it also helps to even attract those who are shy and do not fit in to be part of the conversation. it is really amazing how leading by examples you familiarize and interact with others without knowing some. I like it.
I can promote communication in groups trying to make the subject interesting to take a collective discussion involving all
Asking open-ended questions usually can get a group of individuals to have a conversation. Closed ended questions usually will deter individuals in a group from answering questions.
Great point Brian. It sounds like you would look at each situation individually and find the best way to communicate based on the information being presented. Does that sound right? I wonder, in your first example, how do you get the "buy-in" from everyone in the group?
Dr. Jean Norris
I would say it depends on the purpose of the message and what type if any feedback you want to receive. If your purpose is to transmit information only, then a single communicator in the front of the group is sufficient. If you are going for open discussion, then all either standing in a circle or sitting around a table is more effective.
Thomas, that is a great point. Communicating and connecting with each person in the room is necessary when trying to build rapport and establish a relationship. I like your idea about asking questions in order to make the experience interactive and to make sure that the entire group is on the same page with you.
Dr. Jean Norris
by addressing everyone. Allowing time for feedback from everyone in the room, asking questions, giving anyone speaking the appropriate eye contacts.
Patty,
All of these are great tips for communicating with a group. Thanks for sharing, Patty. What are some fun ways that you encourage group members to participate?
Shannon Gormley
I communicate with a gruop of people by asking open ended questions, also to have a good presentation. Another way to hold there attention and to make sure you have there undivided attetion is to have them participate.
Jenny,
It sounds as if the majority of the time you find communicating with groups pretty easy, which is great. For the instances in which only one person is asking questions, it's great that you are acknowledging the person asking the question. What are some other ways that you help the "quieter" group members feel comfortable asking questions within the group?
Dr. Jean Norris
The school that i work for isa trade school...we only teach one trade. So for me, it is very easy to have a group of people and still have effective communication. BUT there are times when i have more then one person and only 1 person is asking the questions...i use this to my advantage and say "it is always great when we have a question asker in a group, it helps the quieter ones think of their own questions or it answers questions, they would never think of!"
Sally,
Thanks for sharing your approach when working in groups. It sounds like you've got an eye for the cues the group may be sending and make sure to be prepared ahead of time to address the various members needs. Keep it up.
Shannon Gormley
Make sure that everyone is capable of hearing you properly. Your message should be focused to one and all alike, interesting, but not too long. Make sure there is enough time for questions. Also, always be aware of any physical needs of your group, ie thirst, hunger, bathroom breaks.
Eye contact is of upmost importance. Give a chance to everyone speak and ask questions is essential also.
Wade,
Great suggestions. Being open to your students and learning about what makes them who they are will go a long way in helping you to develop a relationship. What type of questions would you ask to gain an understanding of your audience and the groups culture?
Dr. Jean Norris
I believe that it is intigral to know your audience and the "culture" of the group. It is also imparitive to appear approachable and cooperative while engaging the individuals within the group.
brenda,
Great approach. I can see that you ask a number of open questions that allow your group participants to share their experiences. That's wonderful. It also sounds like you work to appeal to a variety of learning styles by providing a tour so that the students can see for themselves and feel what your school is all about.
Dr. Jean Norris
I often speak with groups of individuals; in particular, my H.S. school students. In a group setting, I'll asked questions, to get the group to open up to me in order to the break the ice. Because we offer medical classes, I talk about the programs and the responsibilites of a Meical Assistant. I asked them what inspired them to want to go into the medical field? Do you know anyone that works in the field? Everyone has visited the Doctor's office, what did you notice when you were there? We talk about the various areas that you can work in, we talk about externships and placement. I share testimonials of previous graduates and where there working. (just first names) The H.S. students are pumped and anxiously wanting to schedule another appointment with me, but this time having a parent with them. Before leaving they are given a tour so they can see the diversity of our student body and the enthusiasm of our current students.
