Communication

Communicating effectively means getting on the same wavelength with the person with whom you are communicating. Contrary to popular belief, only a small percentage of communication is verbal.

As a tutor, one of the primary goals is to understand what the student is trying to communicate to you. This occurs only if the tutor fully understands the importance of his or her role as a listener.


The following are guidelines for effective nonverbal listening:

• Be quiet and listen without response
  Allow several seconds to pass before speaking to assure that the student is finished. It will also give you time to collect your thoughts prior to responding. If you respond before the student is finished, you may miss the end of the message which may be the main point. Do not interrupt with stories, opinions, suggestions, or inappropriate comments.

• Maintain eye contact
  This demonstrates that you are paying attention; however, avoid staring.

• Display Openness
  Communicate openness with facial expressions and body position. Uncross your arms and legs. Sit up straight. Remove barriers such as piles of books.

• Send acknowledgements
  Let the student know that you are listening by occasionally nodding.

Here are some guidelines for effective verbal listening:

• Feedback
  Paraphrase, not parrot what is being said e.g. "What I'm hearing is that you…"

• Listen beyond words
  Listen to the words as well as the emotion behind the words. Pay attention to nonverbal clues that are in contradiction to what is being said.

• Listen for requests and intentions
  Discover hidden meanings behind complaint e.g. "The instructor goes too fast!" might mean, "How do I take notes more effectively?"

• Be honest
  If you are busy and cannot address a student's need, just say so in a polite manner e.g. "Listen, what you have to say is important to me but I have to go to class right now. Can I meet you after class at 3:00 p.m.?"