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
1
misreading
perceptions
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
self concept
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.
2
weak listening
linear model
http://www.vtaide.com/png/images/talking.jpg
transactional model
source
receiver
active listening
attention
empathy
response
3
misunderstanding
verbal language
no dentist today
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
4
misunderstanding
nonverbal language
Why don’t you like me?
look in the mirror
videotape yourself
be aware of your nonverbals
5
failure to resolve conflict
resolving conflict
defense mechanisms
sarcasm
overly critical
resolving conflict
time
focus on problem
perception check
win-win
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