Five Common Communication Mistakes
that Educators Make
(and How to Correct Them)
Rich Mercadante
communication involves choices
My communication is always within
my control.
escalate or
de-escalate
misreading perceptions
1
What did you just see?Reese’s
Bay Ruth
M & M’s Peanut
M & M’s Plain
York Peppermint Patty
Juicy Fruit Gum
Kit Kat
Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar
Almond Joy
Snickers
prototype – ideal examples
reflective appraisal – looking glass self
how WE think others see us
impression management
creating impressions with language
1. state observations
2. ask other person if they share your perception
3. consider other interpretations.
http://www.vtaide.com/png/images/talking.jpg
linear model
source receiver
transactional model
attention
empathy
response
misunderstanding verbal language
3
put essay in drop box
language is power
I was wondering if I could speak to Dr.
Jones.
I need to speak to Dr. Jones.
anticipate misunderstanding
rephrase
do better next time
misunderstanding nonverbal language
4
Why don’t you like me?
look in the mirror
videotape yourself
be aware of your nonverbals
failure to resolve conflict
5
resolving conflict
defense mechanisms
sarcasm
overly critical
resolving conflict
win-win
time
focus on problem
perception check
coping with defensiveness
judgment vs. description
control vs. problem focus
strategy vs. spontaneity
neutrality vs. empathy
superiority vs. equity
certainty vs. provision
Avoiding communication escalation:
I vs. You