I’m going to work on active listening by showing genuine interest in what the speaker is saying and using the repeat-rephrase-reflect principles.. I’m going to make a conscious effort with my body language, to show I’m interested (looking them in the eye, not fold my arms, e.g.).
Being aware of what body language is telling you and really listening to your students will go a long way in building rapport, John. It sounds like you plan to make this a priority for your interactions with students, that's great! You also mention asking the right questions. Would you share with the group, a question that you use to help build meaningful rapport with your student?
pretty simple for me listening better making sure i am asking the right questions and really listening to the response also doing a better job at reading peoples body language and being more aware of mine.
Awesome, Jaida! All of these things (smiling, body language, even your handshake)can contribute to building meaningful rapport with your students, their support system, even your colleagues! Having that heightened sense of awareness will go along way in your future success. Best of luck to you!
I am definitely going to be more aware of myself, and my response to people. Smiling more often, paying attention to overall body language, even something such as the handshake. Just being more alert in general.
You're right, Megan, having information about your audience prior to speaking with them is certainly ideal. Especially, when you can tailor your conversation based on what you know about the student already. I'm guessing that you do this already, would that be right?
Unfortunately, we don't always have information about the audience before we communicate with them. I'm curious, how do you adapt your approach when you have little to no information about the audience?
Being aware of your audience, who you are speaking to/with, is a very important thing to think about prior to speaking to/with that audience. I think that once you are prepared to speak with said audience, it will make it an easier task to build rapport with them. The conversation can build from what you already know about them.
I like your confidence, Jon. Building meaningful rapport is one of the first steps that we take in getting to really know (and connect) with others. What are some of the specific traits you have that help you to relate to all individuals?
None because I have a quality to relate to all individuals.
I think you're right, Tovin. People will do business with people the like AND trust. Building meaningful rapport is key and small talk is one way of getting to really know (and connect) with others. Let us know how the small talk is going for you!
I think I need to work on my small talk, because it helps to build a repore with the student and family. Building a repore helps to build trust, because I believe that people do business with people they like first and foremost.
Reflecting on your strengths and challenges is key to improving your skills, thank you for sharing Kristy. What is the first thing you plan to do to help improve your listening skills?
You're right, Kristy, positive body language can help you project confidence and credibility. Besides being in control of your body language, what other ways do you project your confidence?
Being in control of your body language reflects confidence!
I am going to work on improving my listening skills.
Work on listening and stop trying to always be the problem solver for the student
This is a great skill to have, Victor. Any thoughts on how you will begin to do this?
I will work on being more empathatic with students needs
I will work on my greeting skills and building rapport by engaging the prospective student in more small talk before going into the primary purpose of the visit or conversation.
Hi Krista! It certainly sounds as if you are really busy and one can understand why your tone may not quite be at a place where you want it to be. It's great that you realize how important this is for the caller and you can now make a choice to do something different. Great work!
