The Art of Communicating

By the end of this session, you will be able to:  Describe communication styles and skills  Begin to anticipate how your personal communication style might “match” or “clash” with other peoples’ styles at your sites  Identify and discuss various strategies supervisors can use to successfully coach VISTAs and support sub-site supervisors throughout their year of service 2

1 st Statement 3 Rachelle should have spoken up during the meeting about feeling overwhelmed during the meeting.

2 nd Statement 4 was an appropriate way for Sally to share her concerns about Jake’s performance.

Styles of Communication: Three Dimensions 5  Directness  Saving Face  Focus

Facts About VISTA Supervision 6  VISTAs who receive supervision and coaching: – Are the most satisfied and successful – Gain the greatest number of competencies compared to other types of training  Members who left service early had less one-on-one contact with their supervisors. 70% of Alumni met one-on-one with their supervisor at least once a week, compared to 52% of Early Terminators. JBS International, 2013

Solid VISTA/Supervisor Relationships… Are spring boards for lives of service Grow knowledge, commitment and passion for poverty issue focus areas Cultivate service leadership and provide inspiration Help develop cross-cultural awareness and effectiveness 7