1. Finding the Real Story…. Listening with a Counselor’s Ear

2. Do You Communicate Effectively?

3. Communication Involves Three Components Verbal Messages – the words we choose Paraverbal Messages – how we say the words Nonverbal Messages – our body language

4. How You Communicate

5. Verbal Messages Are brief, succinct, and organized Are free of jargon Do not create resistance in the listener

6. Paraverbal Messages Account for about 38% of what is perceived and understood by others. Includes the tone, pitch, and pacing of our voice.

7. Nonverbal Messages Account for about 55% of what is perceived and understood by others. Are conveyed through our facial expressions as well as our postures and gestures.

8. JARGON

9. In Conversation Use simple language Avoid acronyms Avoid slang If you have to repeat it several times, maybe it is the way you are conveying it to them.

10. Listening Requires concentration and energy Involves a psychological connection with the speaker Includes a desire and willingness to try and see things from another’s perspective Requires that we suspend judgment and evaluation

11. Key Listening Skills Nonverbal: – Giving full physical attention to the speaker – Being aware of the speaker’s nonverbal messages Verbal: – Paying attention to the words and feelings that are being expressed – Using reflective listening tools such as paraphrasing, reflecting, summarizing, and questioning to increase understanding of the message and help the speaker tell his/her story

12. Active Listening Leaning gently towards the speaker Facing the other person squarely Maintaining an open posture with arms and legs uncrossed Maintaining an appropriate distance Moving our bodies in response to the speaker, i.e., appropriate head nodding, facial expressions

13. How are you communicating vs. your students?

14. “A student does not care what you know, unless they know that you care.” - Dr. Crystal Kuykendall-