Effective Communication with Learners

Do your learners get overwhelmed with the new information in your course? 🤔 One of the most effective ways to boost retention is by connecting new information to what learners already know. When learners can link fresh concepts to their prior experiences, it helps the brain form stronger associations, making the information easier to recall later. Think about it: training is more impactful when it feels familiar rather than foreign. By tapping into learners' existing knowledge or skills, we create a bridge between what they know and what they need to learn. This strategy works across all types of training. For example, if you’re teaching customer service employees about handling escalated complaints, start by reviewing basic customer service principles they’re already comfortable with. Then, explain how those same principles apply when the stakes are higher - like when dealing with frustrated or angry customers. By reinforcing the connection between the familiar and the new, learners will feel more confident about applying these advanced skills in real scenarios. Looking for actionable ways to build these connections? Start here! ⬇️ 👉 Begin with a knowledge check or reflection activity. Ask learners to share what they already know about the topic. This helps them activate prior knowledge while giving you insight into their starting point. 👉 Use analogies that tie back to their experiences. Relate new information to familiar workplace situations, tools, or processes. For example, “Think of this strategy as your troubleshooting checklist. It works similarly but is tailored for X situation.” 👉 Create visual comparisons. Use side-by-side graphics or charts to compare what learners already know with what they’re about to learn, making differences and connections clearer. 👉 Encourage personal connections. Include reflective prompts like, “When have you encountered a situation like this?” or “How does this compare to what you’ve done before?” When learners can see how new knowledge fits into their existing framework, they’re more likely to understand it, remember it, and apply it. What are your favorite ways to help learners build these connections? Let me know in the comments! 👇 ---------------------- Hi! I'm Elizabeth! 👋 💻 I specialize in eLearning development, where I create engaging courses that are designed to change the behavior of the learner to meet the needs of the organization. Follow me for more, and reach out if you need a high-quality innovative learning solution. 🤝 #InstructionalDesign #LearnerRetention #eLearning #WorkplaceTraining #LXD #AdultLearning #LearningAndDevelopment

No Mind Readers Here: Communication Is a Journey, Not a Drop-Off It’s easy to blame others for “not getting it.” But let’s be honest – how often do we put in the effort to meet them where they are? Tony Robbins once said, “All learning is a journey from the known to the unknown.” That applies just as much to communication. If you’re trying to explain something unfamiliar, it’s not enough to just toss your ideas at someone and hope they land. You need to know what they already understand and then walk them – step by step – toward the new idea you want to share. If you skip that part, don’t be surprised if they look at you blankly. They’re not being difficult, they’re just lost, because you never gave them a map. Effective communication isn’t just about expressing yourself clearly; it’s about building a bridge from their world to yours. And that means listening, observing, and adjusting, not expecting telepathy. Someone once said, “Great communication isn’t just being understood. It’s also making sure you’re not misunderstood.” In other words, stop assuming others are mind readers. The burden of clarity begins with the communicator. Otherwise, confusion becomes a shared failure, but one that starts with us. Illustration by Adam Ming

𝐋𝐞𝐭’𝐬 𝐛𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭—𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐚𝐲, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐭. Ever explained something five times and still got blank stares? Or had a student finally "get it" just because you changed your tone or used a story? That's the power of communication skills in the classroom. It’s not just about delivering a lesson—it’s about connecting, listening, responding, and making every student feel seen and heard. Whether you're explaining a complex concept, managing behavior, or encouraging a shy learner to speak up—your communication style can make or break the moment. The good news? Like any skill, communication can be learned, improved, and mastered. Let’s understand why it matters and explore how to develop communication skills. 👇 𝑾𝒉𝒚 𝒊𝒕'𝒔 𝒄𝒓𝒖𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍:  Effective verbal and non-verbal communication helps teachers explain concepts clearly, give constructive feedback, and build rapport with students, parents, and colleagues. 𝑰𝒏𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒅𝒆𝒔: Active listening, clear articulation, empathy in tone, and classroom presence. 𝑯𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒔𝒌𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒔: 𝑨 𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒑-𝒃𝒚-𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒑 𝒈𝒖𝒊𝒅𝒆👇 Step 1: Self-Audit Your Current Communication 📌Record a class or presentation. 📌Identify clarity, tone, eye contact, body language, and student engagement. Step 2: Practice Active Listening 📌Use strategies like paraphrasing student responses or asking clarifying questions. 📌Avoid interrupting and listen with full attention. Step 3: Improve Verbal & Non-Verbal Delivery 📌Practice voice modulation, pace, and pauses. 📌Use gestures and facial expressions purposefully. Step 4: Learn to Give & Receive Feedback 📌Use the “sandwich method” (Positive–Constructive–Positive). 📌Invite feedback from students and peers. Step 5: Join Speaking/Teaching Forums 📌Attend Toastmasters, teacher workshops, or peer-led mock sessions. Ready to Grow as an Empowered Educator? Start small. Choose one skill to focus on this week—whether it’s improving how you give feedback, staying calm in tough moments, or trying a new classroom approach. 🌱 Growth starts with awareness. 💪 Mastery comes with action. 👉 Your students deserve the best version of you. Which soft skill will you work on first? 𝑆ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑔𝑜𝑎𝑙 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠, 𝑜𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑐𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑧𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑑𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛! #TeacherTalk #EffectiveCommunication #ClassroomConnection #TeachWithHeart #SoftSkillsForTeachers #StudentEngagement #EmpoweredEducator #TeacherGrowth