Introduction & Welcome
The modules have key underlying themes that are outlined in this section. These themes relate to internal thinking processes and values that Communication Centers uphold to facilitate an enriching space for students to practice and develop public speaking skills.
Overview
Learning Objectives
By the end of this module, consultants will be better equipped to:
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Cultivate a safe space for students with diverse backgrounds and abilities
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Gauge levels of awareness and engagement by being mindful
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Help students foster a growth mindset
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Acknowledge and implement helpful etiquettes
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Look for ways for continuous professional development
Working in the Communication Center, we come across diverse clients and varying circumstances. The goal is to assist students in enhancing their oral delivery and public speaking skills. As consultants, some days might seem more challenging where other days will look rewarding. The key is to be authentic - to be aware of those moments and to have the tools to navigate each day with ease.
Diversity in the Center
In this current age, diversity is increasing. What does this have to do with my work at the Communication Center? Although most of us, as consultants, work with students from the introductory communication course, we might also get clients from other courses. Some of us also conduct workshops, work with community partners, and help out at the administrative end. This means our audience is widened with varying cultural and social backgrounds. To improve our consultation skills, the tools for which will be laid out in other modules, it is essential to recognize that differences in behaviors and beliefs may exist and that inclusive approach can still be followed. To not assume biases or stereotypes, to interact with an open-mind, and to be open to learn about new cultures and perspectives, is to imbibe cultural humility. Please watch the following video to learn more about cultural competence and how we can be mindful in our cross-cultural interactions.
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Some of us might belong to ‘minority’ populations while others might not have had much exposure in interacting with this kind of diversity. Although it is easy to judge someone based on first impressions, this is a reminder to put aside our prejudices and stereotypes that may be an obstacle in facilitating a productive consultation session. This also includes not assuming the linguistic abilities and preconceptions that a student might have. The next time you come across people who are different than you, see how you can tailor your feedback to specific concerns or needs that they might have.
Check out the Multilingual Module and Interpersonal Module for practical tips on positively engaging with diverse audiences. Continue reading this module for a deeper insight into other ways you can make your presence authentic - through mindfulness, fostering a growth mindset, and continuously staying updated and engaged in professional development at the Communication Center.
Reflection
Think about a time when you had a client that may have looked different than you, whose first language was different than yours and pronounced words in a manner that you don't. What kind of assumptions did you form when you had your first interaction with them? How did you or would you have been able to better assist them if you recognized those differences but were open to helping them improve their oral delivery exuding the same level of immediacy as you would with other clients?
Embracing Mindfulness
Suggested reading: “The Mindful Tutor”.
What is mindfulness?
Contrary to the popular belief, mindfulness is not about controlling your thoughts. It is about being aware of your surroundings and of your feelings.
How does this apply in my role?
Knowing what you are feeling and what others might be feeling can help prevent escalation of a conflict. Furthermore, as we experience role conflict - juggle between being a student, a tutor, a friend, a sibling - stress tends to accumulate in the body and the mind. This clutter can sometimes hinder in our ability to stay present and be focused on the task at hand. Applying mindfulness techniques of embracing authentic presence, staying relaxed and letting go of stress can help us be more at ease while also being productive!
As most of us feel like we’re living in a constant state of stress and burnout, this exhaustion translates into our consultations. Being mindful is as simple as acknowledging your emotions and setting a mental tone before the next appointment. This can be done by relieving a sigh, rubbing your fingers together, closing your eyes for a few seconds, observing your surroundings, or anchoring your attention with any of your 5 senses. All it takes is a few seconds to re-center that can help you prepare for the next consultation. During the consultation, engage in active listening and provide feedback in a way that is helpful and meaningful for the clients.
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Watch this video to learn how we can incorporate mindfulness in our daily lives: What is Mindfulness?
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Recap of how mindfulness can be beneficial:
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Increased focus: to attend to client needs, sending out emails, working on projects
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Time management: to prioritize goals at the start of the consultation and to organize and accomplish tasks for the day
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Enhanced productivity: both during personal academic tasks and in projects at the Communication Center
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Increased flexibility and openness: to identify what’s not working during the consultation and pivot accordingly
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Address difficult situations: to manage own emotions during stress and navigate conflict peacefully
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Active presence: to facilitate a productive consultation by being attentive
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Takeaway of helpful mindfulness techniques:
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Breathing: Notice the inhalation and exhalation of the breath and where in the body can you feel this process. You can also breath in affirmations and let out stress.
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Visual Imagery: This can include imagining a successful future event, thinking about a peaceful scenery, or even visualizing a peaceful productive session.
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Guided meditation: There are tons of guided meditations on YouTube ranging from minute practices to 5 minutes to half hour and upto 8 hrs for sleep meditations!
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Physically present: This includes noticing the sensations in your body, engaging all your 5 senses. Stretch out your arms, give yourself a hug, observe the color and texture of objects in your surrounding, rub your fingers/twinkle your toes, relax your face, and smile :)
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Just being: Without any distractions, try to be physically and mentally aware for a few seconds.
Reflection
Imagine, you’re halfway through the semester and the assignments are piling up. You had classes all day and your upcoming shift is full of appointments. Your client walks in and wants to practice their speech which is due the next day. The speech appears to have an unfinished outline and the client is stressed out because they are not able to deliver their speech extemporaneously. How will you proceed with the appointment? Are there any tools of mindfulness that you can apply in the consultation?
The Growth Mindset
What is Growth and a fixed mindset
Students who believe that intelligence is a stable, unchangeable trait are described as holding a “fixed mindset” and are likely to interpret struggle or failure as an indication that they are not intellectually capable of succeeding. Thus, students with a fixed mindset tend to avoid challenges, quit when they encounter challenges, and ultimately achieve less academic success. Conversely, students who believe that intelligence is a changeable trait that they can improve with effort and guidance are described as holding a “growth mindset.” These students are more likely to take on challenging tasks and persist through challenges by trying new strategies or increasing effort, ultimately achieving greater academic success (Limeri et al., 2020).
How to foster growth mindset?
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Speakers often come thinking either that they don’t need help or
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They are not good in public speaking
How can consultants help clients develop their public speaking skills using a growth mindset?
There is evidence of a positive feedback loop: mindsets influence students’ perceptions of their academic performance and students reported that their academic performance influences their mindsets (Shown in the figure below). Although we measured students’ perceptions of their academic performance and not their actual performance. Students who began the semester with a lower growth mindset and a higher fixed mindset were more likely to report experiencing continued struggle throughout the semester. Our results also provide novel evidence that students’ academic experiences affected the trajectory of their mindset change throughout the semester. (Limeri et al., 2020).
How we think about public speaking, affects how we approach the task which is why it is important to:
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Provide meaningful feedback
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Understand where student is coming from
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Avoid judgment
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Encouraging feedback
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Self-regulated learning
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Set goals, timeline
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Self-monitor
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Effective strategies
Work with a partner and alternate role-playing as the consultant and client coming in to practice their speech. Do this twice; the first time without using any of these strategies and the second time implementing these immediacy strategies. Notice if you feel a difference as the consultant or client when applying these techniques.
Activity
Reflection
Reflect on how you can implement these strategies in your sessions/ brainstorm some of your own strategies that can improve the immediacy and overall outcome of your future sessions. For returning tutors, what are strategies you’ve used in the past that helped you feel connected with the clients?
Consultant Etiquette & Development
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Consultant Etiquette
Students should walk out of the consultation feeling more comfortable, confident, and prepared than they did walking in. As consultants, our goal is to cultivate a positive learning environment that promotes discussion and instills confidence in the consultee. We harness the ability to recognize nonverbal gestures, tone, body language, etc. that cue us in guiding the conversation for an optimal outcome. Our etiquette will have a lasting impact on clients which is why it is of utmost importance to emphasize how we present ourselves.
Maintaining a professional and approachable demeanor is paramount in all consultation settings, whether they are held over Zoom or in-person. As consultants, we are representatives of the Communication Center. It is our responsibility to uphold the values of safety, inclusivity, and professionalism. While meeting workplace standards, we can focus on establishing rapport with our consultees to connect in a meaningful way. Refer to the interpersonal module to refresh your understanding of effective rapport.
We are in a position to offer our expertise on a subject where we can streamline discussions. We do so in a peer-to-peer manner that breaks down hierarchical boundaries. This way, we can strike a balance between being an understanding peer while offering expertise as a consultant. We aim to foster an atmosphere of open dialogue for productive discussions. While a normal part of being a student is being relatable, our role as a consultant is to ensure that all discussions are appropriate, professional, and unbiased. Being a consultant means finding the balance in wearing different hats!
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Consultant Development
The Comm center is a place for helping clients as well as continuous professional development for consultants. Professional development is beneficial for both consultants and clients. As consultants develop expertise with different development experiences, students benefit from it in consultations.
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There are many benefits to professional development including:
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Developing Credibility
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Building an understanding for different situations
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Self-actualization
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Networking opportunities
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Increase Confidence
How to Start:
Continue to develop consulting skills to guide clients effectively to the best of your ability. This can be done by practicing active listening, asking probing questions, providing constructive feedback, staying current with the latest best practices in public speaking and communication.
Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences:
Keep learning and networking with other professionals in the field. Understand different learning styles and adapt your consulting methods to suit everyone's needs. The National Association of Communication Centers hosts a conference each year where many students from communication centers all over the country come to present.
Stay Updated:
Professional Development Attend Workshops /Training/ Competitions:
Develop and deliver workshops or training programs focused on public speaking skills. This will help you reach a broader audience and establish your credibility.
Networking and Collaboration:
Connect with other professionals in the public speaking and communication industry. Collaboration can lead to valuable insights and partnerships.
Seek Feedback:
Ask for feedback from your clients about your coaching methods and the impact your guidance has had on their public speaking skills. Participate in peer observations: Use this feedback to continuously improve your approach.​