AISSA Beginning Teacher Conference March 2011 Beginning The Journey: a workshop for new teachers

Communication & Culture

Personality Traits – Communication styles - Know yourself – How am I wired? - Know others – How are they wired?

Perception is Reality

Communication Styles The TalkerThe FeelerThe DoerThe Thinker The Persuader The Actor The Promoter The Extrovert The Supporter The Peacemaker The Amiable The Team Player The Controller The Pragmatic The Enforcer The Dominator The Analyser The Thinker The Pessimist The Introvert Communication Style Outspoken Unselfconscious Talks fast Expressive They talk about themselves Softly spoken Self conscious Quite Bashful They ask about your wellbeing Strong voice Quick To the point Poor listener They stick to business Softly spoken Self conscious Unemotional Detached They give you all the fine details Can be perceived as: Loud Showy Superficial Talks too much Unmotivated Soft Easily lead Oversensitive Bossy Arrogant Pushy Impatient Unsociable Picky Fussy Critical

Communication Strategies THE TALKER: Promoter, Persuader, Actor, Extrovert Goal: Talks to get attention and recognition Behaviour: Showy, flamboyant and assertive DO’SDON’T’S THE FEELER: Analyser, Thinker, Pessimist, Introvert Goal: To get things right and avoid mistakes Behaviour: Quiet, detailed, meticulous and conservative DO’SDON’T’S

Communication Strategies THE DOER: Controller, Enforcer, Disciplinarian, Pragmatic Goal: To be in charge and get results Behaviour: Quick, blunt, to the point, aggressive DO’SDON’T’S THE THINKER: Supporter, Peacemaker, Amiable, Team Player Goal: To get along with people and get their approval Behaviour: Warm, friendly, shy and passive DO’SDON’T’S

When you know yourself and others, communication can be much more effective

Communication comes in two forms - Verbal30% - Non-verbal70% Therefore it is vitally important that non-verbal cues are picked up

Invest time to communicate When communicating be authentic – be yourself

The How, When and Where of communication is really important HOW – as much as possible, keep it personal – relational WHEN – sooner rather than later WHERE – be mindful of your territory – strive for neutrality

‘To be an excellent communicator one must first be an excellent listener’ Communication is 90% listening and 10% talking

Active listening needs to be practised I hear that you were saying … I sense that you feel very passionate …

‘Begin with the End in Mind’ - Stephen Covey