Communicating the Whole World Over

This summer, the faculty at Ty Boyd, Inc. traveled to Asia to coach business leaders, salespeople, and administrators to become more effective communicators. Our faculty members incorporated a few cultural modifications in their coaching sessions, but for the most part, effective communication skills can be translated into every language, and applied in every country throughout the world. 

It turns out, there are more similarities than differences. For example, the monster that we all dread most - fear - rears its ugly head in every country on the planet. The fear of being exposed as inadequate, the fear of being asked a question that we can't answer, and the fear of making a fool of ourselves is shared by people the whole world over. Comforting? Hardly. But take comfort in knowing that regardless of the language the monster speaks - he can be tamed - because the ability to shine a light on your fear so that it no longer has power over you is something that can be acquired in any language. Our faculty has seen the process transform people, their lives, their careers and their sense of self in every country where they have ever coached.

An effective communicator doesn't formulate a message without understanding the listeners. Whether you are speaking to a group in Asia, a colleague in South America, or a customer in Europe, you've got to know your audience.  At Ty Boyd, Inc., our faculty coaches our clients to become active listeners. The goal is not so much to get the attention of the audience, but rather to give attention to the audience because if you listen to your audience, they will in turn listen to you. 

Here are some tips and techniques for becoming active listeners regardless of the language you speak:

• Ask questions
• Don't interrupt
• Be flexible
• Demonstrate that you are listening
• Listen accurately
• Listen without distractions
• Tolerate silences/pauses
• Withhold judgment

Communication challenges are everywhere. Our faculty is comprised of experts in the fields of public speaking, business communications and individual coaching, for over 30 years we have helped professionals worldwide reach their career goals. Let us create a custom course designed to align your business culture and objectives.

The Parent Teacher Conference

Summer is drawing to an end; it's time to think about pencils, books and those teacher's dirty looks. The kids might not be thrilled, but many parents are doing a happy dance. As wonderful as summer is, right about now kids are getting bored and cranky, and parents are ready for somebody else to come up with the fun-filled, action-packed daily schedule. 

Enter the teacher. 

Although it would be nice to turn over the reigns completely, your child's education is really a partnership. Together parents and teachers play an important and vital role in a student's development and success. And, as with any relationship, it's critical to establish an effective communication strategy in order to be successful.

Typically, the teacher establishes contact with parents before the school year begins with forms to be filled out, open houses, and orientations to attend. Take advantage of every opportunity to visit the classroom and interact with your child's teacher because clear communication at the start can alleviate issues in the future. Be sure to ask the teacher what method of communication works best - email, written communication, phone, text, or face-to-face. These days many schools have websites and online newsletters because teachers understand that communication is an essential ingredient in parent involvement. 

The parent teacher conference may be the first time that you actually have a chance to sit down with your child's teachers. As with any meeting, you'll find that people are more at ease if you establish a friendly rapport. A conference shouldn't be a confrontation. Be attentive, make eye contact, and keep your body language open. Dressing professionally will garner more respect. 

Both the parents and the teacher should be well-prepared, organized, polite and courteous. As a parent, being prepared means understanding your child's strengths and weaknesses, but being open to the teacher's perspective and insight. Remember, teachers often see your child in a different light than you do. A conference is an information exchange - pooling your information gives both the parents and the teacher a better understanding of the child's academic and social skills. When parents and teachers communicate well and communicate often, everybody wins - especially the child.

At Ty Boyd, Inc. our courses and coaching sessions are personal development experiences and can be applied to everyday communication. Start this school year off on the right foot, give us a call.