Words are not the only thing we communicate. Tone of voice and body language can make or break a conversation. In a profession such as teaching, communication is key. As an educator you can expect to be speaking with students, parents, and colleagues on a daily basis. Teachers should also be ready for special occasion opportunities. They should be able to speak in front of large groups and make contact with people in the community (i.e. field trips, class visitors, workshops etc.). Its important to have public speaking and interpersonal skills. We need to remember what our role is and is not. We need to be careful that we do not play the role of dictator, judge, victim, analyst, preacher, lecturer, consoler, joker, or detective. Not to say we should be oblivious, naive, walked over, emotionless or dull. Finding a balance is what is important. Here are the frameworks that I have adopted and plan to use:

Do's:

Be clear

Be rational

"I" messages

Praise

Affirmation

Positively stated expectations

Language of belonging and choice

Eye Contact

Body Language

Safe physical contact

Teachers Communication Competency

•Repertoire (skills, toolbox, bag of tricks)

•Appropriateness (age, groups, audience)

•Try On Behaviors (attitude, willingness)

•Reflection (What did or did not work?)