A bad habit that we can improve upon is to be more alert to the hidden flags. We have a tendency to focus on the reason for our call and not the hidden message.
I sometimes move to try to schedule an appointment too early. Even if I get the appointment scheduled with a quick interaction, I often find that someone doesn't show up, and when calling them to reschedule, I find out that there was something that I didn't address in the initial conversation that prevented them from coming in.
Rick,
Great awareness! Thank you for sharing. How is your new practice working for you?
Dr. Jean Norris
I need to slow down, sometimes I talk to fast to try and set the appointment, need to relax and do better probing.
Richard,
Great awareness. How does going off script effect your communication with the student?
Dr. Jean Norris
My biggest bad habit is sometimes getting a bit off script when speaking to students. I am increasingly focused and aware of this and am quickly breaking this habit.
Amanda,
Great awareness. The roles we have can sometimes make it difficult because it's so busy. Taking the time to reach all students is so important so it's great that you are aware of this! Excellent!
Dr. Jean Norris
I get frustrated when I am asked to return a call and the person doesn't answer or mailbox is not set up. I find I put the person's number to the side. I am getting better and not doing that but I have to focus the calls sometimes.
Those are all great techniques Humberto! Let us know how it works out for you.
Dr. Jean Norris
Laughing is a great technique with that.
Trying to keep the information updated. And mention external comments like: is great that is Friday, or I am really excited for this week
How do you think you can adjust your approach so you sound less monotonous, Humberto?
Dr. Jean Norris
Sometimes I Sound a little monotonous.
This sounds like a great plan! What can you do to remind yourself to slow your talking and smile during your calls?
Dr. Jean Norris
Sometimes I find that I speak too fast, enunciation is important. But I don't want to waste any time, and I'm typically a fast talker anyways. Slowing things down and keeping the student engaged, will be what I work on moving forward.
I also realize that I usually don't smile when I'm on the phone. I can get caught up trying to be "professional" but not always the most friendly. That is something I need to add into my outbound calls.
There's certainly a balance and sometimes it can be a challenge to balance the outbound and inbound calls. I'll throw this one out to the forum. How do all of you handle the scheduling of inbound and outbound calls?
I think when you start making calls sometimes its easy to place that call, no answer so you go to the next and before you know it you've left 3 or 4 messages and then you get someone on the phone and the others start calling back. It's playing phone tag I know and the return callers get frustrated when your not available. Is there a time frame you should wait between placing calls? You don't want to waste time either!
So what can you do to help stay focused on listening to your student, Elaine?
I totally agree. I have a tendency to talk to fast and not listen and ask more probing questions to the student
Mixing up your call times is a great idea as well as trying different methods such as email and texting (if you're school is set up to text). What can you do to improve the length of your calls?
