La Leche League International Presents:
International Mastery Symposium
Washington, D.C., June 30 - July 1, 2005
Finance, Events, Professional Liaison
IMS Open Session Reports (needs Adobe Acrobat Reader)
Communication Skills
“What are the issues and opportunities for enhancing communication skills?” This was our over-arching theme for what could/would happen for our IMS Communication Skills (CS) Department Day. This theme would allow us to discuss topics of interest, practice skills if desired, create new sessions, etc. Nine of us from USWD were delighted that the first half of the day we were joined by Alison Stanton, CS Tutor in New Zealand, Evy Simon (former USWD CSI), Jan Branham (incoming ACC for TX who will coordinate both CS and Publications Departments), and Meg Sondey, CS Facilitator now living in Mexico. After we had a chance to introduce ourselves, we quickly posted topics that were near and dear to our hearts. It was interesting to notice that our topics were closely related. The group decided to stay together to discuss the following topic that had meaning for all of us: How do we update our brand/image of the CS Department and make CS available/attractive to others?
These were some of the points from our day-long discussions:
What are some communication skills resources that we can share with all Leaders? E.g., Area Conference session outlines and handouts, outlines of mini CS sessions for Enrichment Meetings, articles written for Area Leader Letters (ALLs) on CS topics, etc.
Look at what messages your words may be delivering. For instance, do others feel less competent because they infer that we think their skills need improving?
Look at the question behind the question--Instead of asking “How do we make them come to CS sessions?” Ask, “What are their needs and how can we meet them?” Then plan session content and delivery accordingly.
Make it apparent that the
content of the session is applicable and find ways to interest them in
attending. E.g., make CS sessions enticing with food and fun, make the
time, location, and length of the session meet their needs, etc.. Use
knowledge of peoples’ different Learning/Attention/Motivation styles
to help them be attracted to our sessions and learn more easily. Try using
Appreciative Inquiry—affirm their capabilities, and then together,
choose what skills they want to practice and learn more about. Get away
from using our outlines in a too-structured way. By all means—don’t
read the lectures!! Offer sessions that explore skills that you are passionately
interested in—your enthusiasm will be infectious.
Some “What Ifs” we explored were:
- Look into doing sessions or teaching specific skills by email, online, or telephone. (Look into free computer programs, phone cards, or telephone conference calls. Look into interactive technology—apply for grants to access and apply this.)
- Community Foundation (usually
in every town) will give grants. Apply for grants so you can give CS
for free/low cost.