I am so glad to take some time and learn on this subject of reading people. I think to watch and listen them more closely is a way I may improve on reading people. Ways you have taught us analyzing their hand shake and body language, appearance. Knowing 50% of my connecting with people is my attitude and 55% of our interaction is body language.
Hmm...it's really easy for me to read people face-to-face, but to be honest, it is hard for me to read people when I am on the phone with them. I can only hear the tone of their voice so that it was I judge them off of. This isn't always a good thing because sometimes I find that after talking with a student that it is just the way they talk and it has nothing to do with their mood that day or the fact that they don't understand something. In this situation, I think its important to respond appropriately.
This is an area that in person I have excelled at, however over the phone I struggle. In person I am able to pick up on things that excape me over the phone. I think I would be able to remedy this by listening better to my caller
I think bringing my subconscious to the conscious level can help my ability to read people better. By this I mean being aware of the other person's voice tone and the way in which I am responding to it. Sometimes we get students who are surly or who only give one word answers, and can sometimes mirror that unsconsciously. My goal is to recognize it and instead try to model a more positive voice tone (that is not fake) in the hopes that they will mirror mine instead.
Slowing down and assessing several areas not just one. For example if speach is slow look to see if body language is denoteing being tired or bored. On the phone simply asking if they are tired or had a long day can help.
I would like to study the communication hierarchy to better understand their needs and build rapport. I may offer opinions too quickly.
I believe that to read people better means that I need to be an active listener, and intentional in my approach to have the desire to read people better. I have to have a genuine desire, not just a desire to do it for myself but to genuinely show an interest in another person. When it's genuine on my end it can be received more genuinely on their end which makes it easier to read them. This also goes along with the mirroring concept. If they mirror my genuineness then I can see them better and read their true nature better.
I can improve my ability to read people by practicing it all the time so that it becomes natural. I need to get the whole picture, and to not be persuaded by just their tone of voice or eye contact. I might totally misread them. The more I do it and take in everything the better I will be at it.
Christina, it sounds like you are not only listening with your ears, but you are also using your eyes. Great job. This will allow you to have a better understanding of what the student is really saying.
Dr. Jean Norris
I believe I can do much better with reading people by taking more time to pay attention to the information they are giving through body language, voice and words.
Absolutely Erin. It's so eye-opening and by watching others, you are continuing to build your own knowledge. Great job.
Dr. Jean Norris
It is so interesting to learn about mirroring and reading people's body language and then apply it! I've noticed little things about co-workers & students that I never noticed before! I, like many, is someone who consideres themselves a 'people person', now I'm hoping I can contect more! (Be more aware)
Kathy, that is a great point. I am sure you will find some interesting interactions if you observe people at a grocery store or on your errands. Keep up the great work.
Dr. Jean Norris
Observation is the key to reading people. Practicing in a non-job situation is a great way to improve this skill. When you can practice without fear of impacting a "sale" you can learn much. People watching is a very valuable activity.
Robert,
You bring up an important point, we need to understand our students' needs before we can communicate the benefits of our institution, so the student can determine if it's the right fit for them. What techniques do you use to read people and understand their needs?
Dr. Jean Norris
Reading people and understanding their needs is what we do for a living. To be a professional Admissions Representative, we need try to match their needs and capabilites with our products.
Cid,
So I'm curious...how will you do this?
Dr. Jean Norris
The key to effectively reading people is by being completely objective – having an empty cup so to speak. Overcoming our biases, prejudices and projections allows us to be completely objective.
Milagros,
Excellent! Keep up the great work!
Dr. Jean Norris
Milagros,
Excellent! Keep up the great work!
Dr. Jean Norris
