EFFECTIVELY GETTING YOUR MESSAGE ACROSS
Communication skills are necessary to get your message across. Many times you are required to introduce new child care regulations, and conduct training on how to implement new requirements. Occasionally providers will resist change, therefore it is your responsibility to get the message across in an accurate way. Providers will be influenced by the way you present the message.
For example: As you present your message, you are standing looking down and shaking your head and you say, “(Sigh) They are adding another regulation, you are now required to have state approved material under your play- ground equipment. I don’t know how you’re going to do it. It’s very expensive. They are making it harder and harder for you to run your child care business.”
What do you think the client’s response will be? When you relay a message in a negative manner, your message will be received negatively.
In business a Public Relations Manager learns how to give a positive spin to a negative message.
For example: You are standing with a smile on your face and say, “The state have been examining the safety of play- grounds. Allowing the children to use your equipment as it is could set you up for a liable suit if a child should get hurt. Therefore, the state has set new standards for the material under your equipment. This will ensure the safety of the children and lessen the chance of a child getting hurt. It is also tax deductible because it is a business expense. There are a few child care organizations that are giving loans and even grants to help you purchase the materials, I would be happy to give you this information and help you apply. This is a big step in keeping children safe.”
Here are a few tips on how to communicate effectively:
Find the positive and emphasis it in your message.
Make sure your body language and tone of voice are also expressing the positive nature of your message.
People are diverse and you may have clients from many different cultures, educational levels, and backgrounds. You need to be very creative in how you are going to get your message across.
Know your clients.
Know your message and the reasons for conveying it.
Be creative in your preparation by anticipating objections and presenting answers.
For example: Using the same scenario as above, you may want to print out statistics about playground accidents and how the new regulation helps lessen accidents. Bring brochures or information on where you can get the materials needed. Give all the options. Schedule a training meeting with your providers and invite distributers of the materials to make presentations to your providers.