It is important to use effective communication principles including listening effectively, responding appropriately, and reading body language when communicating with students. I plan to be more conscious of my body language when communicating with others in the future. 

active listening is a crucial component for effective conversation

The attributes of great listeners and being intentional

Talk LESS- Listen MORE. 

It can make a tremendous difference

It's crucial to hold meaningful conversations and to be curious

Comment on Patricia Rudzitis's post: I agree with everything that you have mentioned. We do want to help our students and guide them to the resources that help them in their academic and career goals. 

Prospective students come from different backgrounds that motivate them to come to the college/university of their choice. Asking a combination of questions (open-ended and closing) and listening to them is essential in building trust and a relationship w/ the prospective student. Global listening is essential and a good skill to have that does take time to master. 

Effective voicemails should be brief, clear, and purposeful. A friendly tone and a clear call to action increase return calls. I will apply this by leaving concise, professional messages with a clear next step.

I learned how important it is to identify and address obstacles early to prevent no-shows. Understanding concerns, asking the right questions, and confirming details can make a big difference in follow-through. I plan to apply this by listening carefully, addressing objections with empathy, and clearly confirming next steps to increase commitment and reduce no-shows.

I learned that preparation, tone, and clear purpose are essential for successful outbound calls. Being confident, respectful of the caller’s time, and focused on their needs makes communication more effective. I plan to apply this by preparing before each call, clearly explaining the reason for calling, listening carefully, and closing with a clear next step.