Reading People
How can you improve your ability to read people better?
@jean In order to "read" people better, and avoid misunderstanding them, I will be more direct in my communication. For instance, if I believe a person is distracted and not interested in continuing the conversation, I will ask them directly, "I'm getting the feeling that you may have other things on your mind right now. Is this a good time for you to discuss the details of XYZ?" I believe the person will then have the opportunity to be honest with me and reschedule the conversation, or redirect the conversation to what would be engaging to them.
The main thing for me would be to slow down and pay attention. I'm usually in a rush.
I can improve by not anticipating what they are going to say next. Listening clear through & then responding to them.
Improving my ability to read people can only come from learning the different ways we communicate and by understanding people’s attitude, body language, voice tonality, and the actual words they use to express themselves. In an effort to understand people more, I’ve gone as far as to looking at micro-expressions and reading about different ways of spotting deception. Although this interest has been for personal reasons, it has helped in my work environment. Although these help us read people, we have to use caution and personal judgment before coming to a conclusion.
I will be sure to practice consistently in analyzing people to read them based on their hand shake, posture, eye contact and body language. I have realized that that it will begin with me. I must re-evaluate myself and ensure I read myself appropriately but taking great consideration in how I carry myself, be sure I'm not slouching, ensure that my office always looks clean and organized.
A good way to improve your ability to read people is by paying attention to thier reactions and body language.
Practicing active listening and observing body language will definitely help us learn to read people better. Also, not jumping to conclusions or judgements right away.
Watch Body Language and Eye contact got it.
Thank you, Belinda!
Focusing on non-verbal cues such as body language, facial expression, and tone of voice is a great way to read people. How do you respond when someone's non-verbal and verbal messages contradict?
Elizabeth Wheeler
I can improve my ability to read people by staying focused on their body language and use proper responses related to what is important to them.
Esteban,
It's great awareness to realize that you need to focus more on body language. Many times a student's non-verbal communication and spoken words contradict each other, so it's important to watch their body language to determine how they are really feeling!
Dr. Jean Norris
I need to focus more on body language, as sometimes i may not take that into consideration.
You're right, Abdul! Being able to read non-verbal communication clues gives you insight into how a person is really feeling. Many times the spoken word and body language contradict each other. Have you every had someone tell you they are fine, but their facial expression and posture tell you differently? How would you respond to such a situation?
Dr. Jean Norris
I believe the Ability to read peoples unspoken message increases understanding and improves communication. People who develop these skills become better communicators, have more influence, and are more easily able to persuade. Improving communication skills decreases mistakes and miscommunication, increases efficiency, and improves morale.
Abdul
I can improve my ability to read people better by simply paying closer attention to the details. what is their body language saying? What is their attitude compared to their words? What is my attitude saying to them?
Biggest reason... not to get overwhelmed yourself with the emotions. I rank high in "empathy" in many personality assessments, so I know that I can take on the stress of my student's situations and feel like I need to "fix" them or the situation, when mostly I do not, just need to be a good listener so they feel that I appreciate their situation and I care.
So, In the past, I have caught myself becoming too engrossed and make an effort to step back and direct them to others that would be best suited to help.
I can improve my ability to read people better in two ways. Patience and strong listening skills. In addition, body language is very important. When I start to discuss a student's program, I look for them to lean forward to look at the catalog along with me. If they don't I will go back and rephrase a few items of interst with them and rebuild rapport to a greater degree until they are more comfortable. Once I do this, they tend to lean forward and show more interest.
Janet, Again, great awareness. Helping to maintain the line between empathy and sympathy is key. What do you think is the reason it's so important to be empathetic, not sympathetic?
Dr. Jean Norris
I have a good handle on reading people, but sometimes in sad or painful emotional situations, it is hard for me to stay neutral and not react such as tears with tears. I find myself tearing up if a student is getting emotionally upset so I have to refocus on something else about my student to not mirror that emotion.
