Question
How can early childhood providers improve their nonverbal communication skills?
Answer
Improving nonverbal communication skills in Early Childhood Education (ECE) involves a conscious effort to observe and understand one's own body language during conversations. Practitioners are encouraged to take time before entering the workplace to reflect on the information learned and pay attention to their nonverbal cues. This curiosity about personal behavior serves as a foundation for improvement. Seeking feedback from friends or family about potential tells or habits provides valuable insights, helping practitioners identify areas for improvement that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Another key strategy is to be attentive to the nonverbal cues of others during conversations. Observing signs such as difficulty maintaining eye contact or changes in body language can offer valuable feedback on the effectiveness of one's communication. The concept of mirroring is introduced as a powerful strategy to enhance nonverbal communication. Mirroring involves matching someone's behavior, including voice, words, and nonverbal cues, to establish effective communication and collaboration. This technique is versatile and applicable in interactions with children, parents, colleagues, and supervisors. By mirroring, practitioners can create a sense of engagement and connection, contributing to successful communication in various ECE scenarios.
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course Professional Communication and Conduct for Early and Mid-Career Educators, presented by Emily Mosby, MS.
