Body language
I definetly agree that body language is very important when communicating with someone. Students should feel welcome not like they are bothering you.
That's a great observation! The way we present ourselves and communicate through our body can impact the conversation. How can you model positive body language during your conversations?
I have observed that when I adjust my body to convery a more positive position, the tone of the conversation changes.
I agree that body language is truly an excellent indicator of an individual's feelings and motivations. I look for eye-contact, a comfortable posture and positive facial expressions as indicators of the success that I am having while interviewing a student. During this particular forum, I also picked-up on some non-verbal behaviors that I personally witnessed as a job candidate for positions in higher education. Sitting before a search committee gave me ample opportunities to see a variety of non-verbal behaviors and cues from a good cross-section of university employees. Now I have a better understanding of what many of those cues might have meant. Some were certainly positive, but sadly, I now see that some were not. The less-than-positive cues included looking down at a watch, regular glancing out of a window or not making steady eye-contact with me. Some people just looked like they were forced to serve on the committee and really had no interest in being involved. One could argue that they felt like this process was taking time away from their regular jobs and this was upsetting for them. The lack-of-enthusiasm that I read on some faces was quite disheartening since I value my colleague's enthusiasm and opinions. Personally, I enjoy engaging students and job applicants in conversation and watching the body language that occurs during those conversations. It is fascinating.
Ashley, great point. Your body language can be "heard" through the phone and so it sounds like you have a plan to work on that.
Dr. Jean Norris
Though I work with my students over the phone and my body language is not seen, I need to be more cognicent of my tone. Also, if I am smiling or slouching in my chair, this body language will eventually affect my tone to the student. My attitude will also affect my tone. I must seek to undertand more than to be understood. This looks like listening and learningg about the student rather than talking so much.
Jaclyn, you make a great point here. So not only does body language portray that you are listening, but it also shows that you are respecting the student.
Dr. Jean Norris
