Part 1. Respond to the following post in a minimum of 100 words:
Meetings –
In the career field I have done most of my life, banking, we often had meetings. Whether it was morning huddles, branch meetings, the huge bank staff meetings, or a one-on-one meeting. I noticed staff would look around when they were not paying attention. They would also be on their cellphones, talking to each other, and even just doodling or fidgeting in their seat. Prior to our branch meetings we would perform an icebreaker. One meeting, we all had the suspect description forms. Then the teller supervisor walked in and then out. We then filled out our forms when she left. It was interesting to compare our forms and share our feelings. Someone said she had black hair and someone else said brown. The teller supervisor is somebody we worked with and closely every day. This would also energize us and lighten the mood, which would help us focus on meeting points.
Group communication –
I think the speaker could use verbal and nonverbal cues to show they are listening. Nodding, making eye contact and talking to the person. An effective way to supply feedback is to repeat what the group member just said back to them, then talking about the point they made. This also reiterates to the audience you are listening. It is important for everyone to feel heard because it can affect their hearing. If someone does not feel heard then they will become distracted, or even combative in group conversation. This in turn can cause a ripple effect.
Public speaking –
Some cues the audience can give me are nodding, smiling, eye contact, and even asking questions. I believe when the audience feels that the subject matter is important to them and/or interesting, then they will listen. Our tone of voice may influence this. If we are trying to persuade the audience but do not have an urgent tone of voice, then the message becomes lost. Visual aids can help the audience pay attention and listen. It not only can add depth to a speech but also presents the speakers’ points in a unique way rather than just speaking. – Andrea A
Part 2. Reply to the following discussion in a minimum of 100 words:
Meetings- Public speaking is not for everyone, in fact I dislike public speaking, For me, giving a speech or presentation is the highway to the danger zone. Some say I don’t have to dislike public speaking yet, I still feel that when even when I hear that it doesn’t have to be that way. The most seasoned public speakers can be at risk if they don’t know how to recognize the danger signals.
If you encounter continual silence from the audience you’re in danger. You might as well be speaking to a wall when the audience is not responsive. Sometimes, the reason for silence is the facilitator isn’t giving enough time for a response. Research suggests that if you’re pausing is long enough, it could mean that they don’t understand your questions or exercises however, it could be a sign of hostility.
If the group doesn’t warm up, check in with them. Humor can help. When one public speaker was met with total silence, he told the audience, “This means “yes”, and this means “no”. He simultaneously demonstrated a nod and a head shake. They laughed and this eased the tension. This is defined as breaking the ice!!
The remedy is to have content that is so interesting that those who were not looking all of a sudden look up from their phones. It’s hard to believe but this affect even happens to millennials will make eye contact if it’s something that interests them. – Feness H.