Emily,
Thanks for sharing your insights. Giving all members of the group the opportunity to be heard is a great place to start. It sounds like you do your best to ensure you give your attention equally. Keep it up.
Dr. Jean Norris
I feel that it is important to give both individuals the chance to voice their thoughts/opinions when necessary. It also helps to make eye contact with all members of the group, especially when a person is talking.
Kelly,
Excellent way to approach communicating with groups. It sounds like you value each member's input in a group setting and do your best to demonstrate that by actively engaging everyone throughout the process. Keep up the good workd!
Dr. Jean Norris
Interaction with each person is key here! I introduce myself to everyone and get their names as well. I maintain eye contact, body language, and conversation with everyone in the group. They are all there because they have some part in this decision; whether it be a parent helping pay or a friend who might be engaged to enroll as well after hearing all that is offered at your school.
Ashley,
Great tip! What are some of the techniques you use to ensure you clearly understand the needs of your group?
Shannon Gormley
Try to understand the needs of the group and respond accordingly.
Wonderful insight, Mayra. Well-formulated questions are such a powerful tool, especially when working with groups, because they allow for a natural discussion to occur. This can be a positive way to engage your group and help them to feel more at ease and comfortable discussing their ideas/options within the group.
Shannon Gormley
Asking questions makes the converstion interesting and everyone involved in the decision making process.
Cristiane,
Excellent approach. It sounds like you take care to observe what is happening as you communicate with groups. That's great! It's also wonderful to hear that rather than pushing forward, you take some time to go back and make small talk to find a common interest among the group. All the best in your future interactions.
Shannon Gormley
I take a step back and start over trying to gain that person's trust with some small talk, then finding something in common, etc.
Cristiane, that is a great point. Getting the "buy-in" from the group is important. I wonder, what has been your experience if one member of the group won't come along with you?
Shannon Gormley
I address questions to the other people involved seeking their "approval" or trying to find a common ground between all of us
Michael, absolutley. Making eye contact will certainly engage all group members and will show that you aren't focusing on one person. What else?
Shannon Gormley
Make sure your addressing all parties by maintaing eye contact
MIGUEL ,
Great observations. It can be difficult to communicate in a group, especially if the person doesn't feel comfortable with the other group members. It sounds like you try to "break the ice" with introductions and giving members the opportunity to warm up to you and each other. Great approach.
Shannon Gormley
Focusing on each person in a group helps others less talkative engage in the conversation easier and with more confidence. It also helps everyone to get to know each other. Sometimes people tend to be more shy when they do not know each person of the group.
Alexander, that is a quick and easy way to incorporate all individuals. Great job!
Shannon Gormley
Elena, that is a great point. Assessing the degree in which people are willing to be involved in this important decision is a vital step and I bet many miss this opportunity. Tell me, what specifically about body language signals readiness?
Shannon Gormley
I make eye contact with all individuals I am communicating with and engage all of them equally
Prior to start a session it is necessary to ascertain that everyone is willing to be involved in a discussion, body language is a sign that tells you whether they are ready or not!
