Simultaneously talking on the phone, eating, typing on a laptop and watching TV may be even less of a good idea than it seems.
In a two-hour talk sponsored by the Fox Leadership Program, Lisa Hatcher of the Nyman Group, a consulting firm, said that while multi-tasking is important, it is communication etiquette that really makes the difference in getting a point across effectively.
She outlined four personality types that describe how a person behaves in conversation, those of the driver, the influencer, the perfectionist and the accommodator.
For example, people who are demanding, critical and pushy fit Hatcher's description of a "driver." According to Hatcher, the best way to handle such a person in conversation is to get to the point quickly. She added that such a person is most valuable in situations such as an interview, where there is only a minute or two for assessing someone.
Hatcher provided some quick tips for reading people.
"Drivers" speak loudly and at a fast pace, Hatcher said, while "influencers" tend to use a lot of hand gestures and are personable. Conversely, "Accommodators" usually speak softly and are generally supportive and accepting. "Perfectionists" press for details and explanations during a conversation, she said.
"When you find yourself faced with any one of these four people, you need to adapt your communication style to get your message across as effectively as possible," Hatcher said.
For example, when dealing with an "influencer," a person should add an element of fun to accomplishing the task. This makes the person asking seem more energetic and credible, Hatcher said.
About 20 undergraduates attended the event.
"I'm getting into consulting next year where I'll meet a lot of different people, so I know these skills will be especially useful," College senior Nina Vyas said of her reasons for attending.
Jing Jin, a student in the College, received an e-mail from the Fox Leadership Program and decided to attend the event because it seemed like an enjoyable thing to do.
"I really like Lisa's scientific approach," she said. "It's very structured."
