When I think of competent communication, I think of my yoga teacher, Jeff. Jeff has a kind, attentive, calm, and open demeanor. He is very present. When Jeff looks at a person, he really sees the person. He listens more than he talks. Jeff listens patiently without acknowledging potential distractions. He thinks about what he has heard and asks relevant questions. When Jeff responds, he speaks deliberately, weighing his words and maintaining eye contact with the listener. I would like to model these behaviors that Jeff exhibits. It is not often in life that we really see another person. The experience of truly being seen is unique and rare. I would like to be present enough to see others. I would like to be able to listen wholly and without distraction. I think that this sort of attention to the needs of others is like a gift that you give to them. Competent communication improves the quality of human interaction. It is a worthy aspiration.
Caryann:
ReplyDeleteI am excited about being in class with you as we learn about effective communication and collaboration. It is essential in a field that is based on relationships that we develop our skills in these two areas.
You have expressed verbal and nonverbal skills Jeff possesses in making him an effective communicator. You have also illustrated that communication includes speaking and listening. I think this shows us that communication is multi-layered and includes a two-way channel of sharing information.
Thank you for sharing,
LouAnn Rhodes
You stated that Jeff listens without being distracted. I agree that being able to attend fully to someone is a skill. I personally have to work extra hard to do this. I get distracted easily. I am one of those people that hears the background noise. However since I am aware of this, when I am talking to someone, I make the extra effort to really hear the person. If I miss something I tell them I got distracted. After I humorously share my struggle with them, they seem to understand.
ReplyDeleteCaryann,
ReplyDeleteI think it is important for a person to have an effective way of communicating that also relates to the situation. Jeff knows how to communicate as a yoga instructor. He is patient and calm, which are two characteristics that are important for someone who is instructing others in a calming exercise. It is fortunate that you can learn these communication characteristics to help you in communicating with children and families. Jeff has the characteristics, but you have the knowledge. When you put your knowledge of education and communication together, you can be a fantastic communicator. Thanks for your post.
Amanda