S.A.I.L. presentation offers tips for tact
Janine Fulginiti
Issue date: 3/5/07 Section: News
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SAIL presented a seminar called, "You say Tomato, I say Tomato" on effective communication skills on Tuesday Feb. 27 in Sykes Student Union. The presentation was given by senior Selinda Lehneis who is in her second year as a leadership consultant.
Lehneis told students that some of the most important aspects of communication are, "knowing when to say things, when not to interrupt and how to be effectively assertive instead of harmfully assertive."
She then began the presentation by handing out packets on the many aspects of communication to those in attendance. The packet started with a short poem entitled "Watch What You Say," by Henry Lasser.
The poem began, "In the course of your conversation each and every day, think twice, try to be careful of what you have to say; your remarks may be picked up by someone's listening ear, you may be surprised at what some people think they hear."
Lehneis reminded the audience members that every little thing a person says is important, especially if they are a leader on campus. A person may believe he or she is communicating to just one person, but in actuality, others may hear as well.
"Even the smallest things you say can have a big impact on your organization," Lehneis said.
Next, Lehneis discussed the three aspects of communication: verbal, nonverbal and listening. She focused on listening skills and said, "I think it is probably the most overlooked aspect of communication." She explained that many people are often too busy formulating a rebuttal in their minds to listen to what someone is actually saying.
In order to practice good listening skills, one must defer his or her judgment, listen completely and pay most attention to content. It is also important to do one thing at a time, not allow emotional reactions to govern behavior and to give affirmative statements.
The next items discussed were the differences between male and female communication. Lehneis said it is important to keep these differences in mind because a person is almost always going to have to work with people of both sexes.
Lehneis told students that some of the most important aspects of communication are, "knowing when to say things, when not to interrupt and how to be effectively assertive instead of harmfully assertive."
She then began the presentation by handing out packets on the many aspects of communication to those in attendance. The packet started with a short poem entitled "Watch What You Say," by Henry Lasser.
The poem began, "In the course of your conversation each and every day, think twice, try to be careful of what you have to say; your remarks may be picked up by someone's listening ear, you may be surprised at what some people think they hear."
Lehneis reminded the audience members that every little thing a person says is important, especially if they are a leader on campus. A person may believe he or she is communicating to just one person, but in actuality, others may hear as well.
"Even the smallest things you say can have a big impact on your organization," Lehneis said.
Next, Lehneis discussed the three aspects of communication: verbal, nonverbal and listening. She focused on listening skills and said, "I think it is probably the most overlooked aspect of communication." She explained that many people are often too busy formulating a rebuttal in their minds to listen to what someone is actually saying.
In order to practice good listening skills, one must defer his or her judgment, listen completely and pay most attention to content. It is also important to do one thing at a time, not allow emotional reactions to govern behavior and to give affirmative statements.
The next items discussed were the differences between male and female communication. Lehneis said it is important to keep these differences in mind because a person is almost always going to have to work with people of both sexes.
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