I try to build a rapport by connecting with the student background. I can speak more the one language and I get bilingual candidates often and they like when I can relate with their background. Laughs usually come out of it and helps the student relax.
Sally,
Eye contact can certainly be helpful in establishing rapport with another person. It sounds like you also try to keep the conversation positive, which is great. I get the sense that you do your best to encourage your student's self confidence and positive outlook about the decision that they make.
Shannon Gormley
I believe eye contact is important if the conversation is in person. Perhaps some appropriate physical contact also could assist. Comments which are positive, even if you must turn a negative around, if the conversation is via telephone, are important and add to the students feeling of weel being.
In Florida, Spanish is almost the primary language these days. By showing a willingness to converse in the student's native tongue builds awareness of the instructor's willingness to help both professionaaly and personally.
Sally,
Listening is one of the most important skills you can use when working with students. It's also a powerful way to build rapport with another person. How do you typically demonstrate your listening skills in a conversation?
Dr. Jean Norris
Great awareness, Sally. It sounds like you recognize ways that may help you build and maintain rapport with your students. Having the ability to communicate with a student in Spanish is a wonderful way to meet them where they're at. What are some of the ways that speaking Spanish has helped you build rapport with your students?
Dr. Jean Norris
I need to learn to articulate slower and emphasize positive thoughts that mirroe in my body language. Also,in Florida, it is important to try to learn some Spanish to communicate.
Listening carefully while being truly interested would seem like a fabulous way to build up rapport with others.
Geoffrey,
That's great! How do you think this skill will help you to build rapport with your students?
Shannon Gormley
Funny that you should ask, this is actually something that a work colleague and my self have started to practice after taking your course. We set across from each other and take turns mirroring each others posture and voice tone for about 30 minutes before anyone else arrives.
Great awareness, Geoffrey. What will you do to help develop those things?
Dr. Jean Norris
The main skill that I need to develop is the tone of my voice and being able to mirror that to the prospective students.
I will Work to Develop my mirroring skills to become very successful. I think people relate better and are more likely to tell you information when you look or act like them.
Benny, sure! Making the student feel comfortable will certainly help build rapport with them. I'm curious, what types of adjustments or questions do you ask to do so?
Shannon Gormley
I feel having a good body language will e the first step So can try to mirror me at first and put them in a positive position. As the conversation moves forward I will make the adjustments necessary to put the student at ease to feel comfortable.
Great point Cristiane. Mirroring or matching someone is a great and subtle way to start building rapport with others.
Shannon Gormley
I mirror the vocal tone and the rate to which I speak. If the person speaks fast, I speak fast and to the point; while if the person speaks slowly, I slow down
Yes, following up is crucial and unfortunately a missed opportunity sometimes. By doing this, though, you show respect and ulimately show the student that you care. Tell me, how will you make sure you follow up with all of your students?
Shannon Gormley
always keeping my word ad following up
Alexander, absolutely! By focusing on the person that is speaking to you and trying to get rid of the distractions, you will show respect and build a better relationship with that person. I wonder, what steps will you take to "avoid multitasking?"
Shannon Gormley
