CommCore Blog and News

Difficult conversations are, by definition — “difficult” — in any workplace. They can be even more challenging in the virtual/remote environment. Whether it’s supervisor to a team, peer-to-peer, manager to contractor, or conducting a job performance review, these conversations are tricky at best. Now, we must cope with connecting through technology. Do you find yourself seeking new skills, techniques and approaches, especially on virtual platforms?

CommCore, with decades of experience working with federal agencies, non-profits and private sector clients, can help you make virtual platform communication powerful and productive. When working from home, it’s imperative that you conduct critical conversations effectively without sacrificing the benefits of in-person interaction.

In the virtual world, most of the in-person cues and signals may be harder to detect. Eye contact, voice tone, gestures and room atmosphere are all different. This can lead to misunderstanding and misinterpretation.

Below we look at two types of learners – Visual and Kinesthetic – and how to address them in the virtual environment compared to in-person.

Types of Learners:

How to address a visual learner?

In Person   Engage the listener/learner with animated body language

Virtual  Use gestures and visual words: “It’s clear that…” “Picture yourself in….”

    2.  Kinesthetic: These individuals interpret the world through touch, experience, and  emotion.

In Person    Engage the listener/learner with a tangible item they can hold.   For example, if the conversation is about funding requests for new supplies – have the audience hold the supply item during the conversation.

Virtual   Tell an emotional/meaningful story or personal anecdote they can “feel”. Pause throughout the story. Let them feel the situation.

Which type of learner are you? Do you know how you best receive information? How about your peers or management? Is your message adjusted for the virtual landscape?

Reach out to CommCore for learn more about our training programs and workshops – including how to have difficult conversations.