Imagine you’re in a training session. The instructor speaks clearly and confidently, but despite the effort, some learners still struggle to understand the material. Why? The key often lies in communication—how it’s conveyed and how it’s received. This is where Rachel Desoto-Jackson comes in. Through RDJ Creative Consulting in Murrysville, PA, Rachel offers instructional design services that help trainers and learners enhance both verbal and nonverbal communication skills. By using Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, her approach makes learning more accessible and effective.
What is Universal Design for Learning (UDL)?
UDL is a framework that focuses on providing all learners with equal opportunities to succeed. It’s about offering multiple ways to engage with content, express understanding, and get feedback. UDL is built on the idea that learners have diverse needs and learning styles. By incorporating these needs into the design of learning experiences, educators can ensure that everyone has a better chance of grasping the material.
Rachel’s services use UDL principles to create more inclusive training environments. By considering different learning styles, she helps trainers connect with their audience in ways that are engaging, accessible, and effective.
The Role of Empathetic Communication
Empathetic communication is essential in training. It involves not only understanding the content but also recognizing and responding to the emotional needs of the learners. When learners feel heard and respected, they are more likely to engage with the material and retain information.
In Rachel’s workshops, empathetic communication is taught as a core skill. It focuses on understanding the emotions behind the words and creating a supportive environment where learners can thrive. Through this approach, trainers are equipped to recognize when a learner may be struggling and how to respond in a way that encourages learning rather than frustration.
Verbal and Nonverbal Communication: Two Sides of the Same Coin
Both verbal and nonverbal communication are critical in the learning process. While verbal communication involves the words spoken, nonverbal communication includes body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, and gestures. Together, these elements shape how the message is received.
Verbal Communication
Rachel emphasizes the importance of clarity and confidence in verbal communication. For trainers, speaking clearly and at a moderate pace can help learners absorb information. It’s also about choosing the right words. For example, technical jargon may confuse some learners, while simple language can make complex concepts more understandable.
But it’s not just about what you say; it’s about how you say it. Rachel teaches trainers to use a friendly, inviting tone that encourages participation. When trainers speak with warmth and enthusiasm, learners are more likely to engage with the material.
Nonverbal Communication
Nonverbal communication can speak louder than words. Imagine a trainer saying, “You’re doing great,” but their arms are crossed, and their face is neutral. The learner may not feel encouraged. Nonverbal cues such as gestures, posture, and eye contact can reinforce or contradict what’s being said.
In Rachel’s sessions, trainers learn how to use their body language to create a positive and open learning environment. For example, open hand gestures, good posture, and eye contact can help learners feel more comfortable and engaged. Nonverbal communication also includes listening cues. Nodding, leaning forward, and maintaining eye contact are all ways to show learners that you are actively engaged with them.
De-Escalation Training: Keeping the Conversation Productive
Sometimes, learning environments can become tense. Learners may feel frustrated, anxious, or even defensive. That’s where de-escalation training comes in. Rachel’s approach teaches trainers how to handle challenging situations and keep communication productive.
De-escalation isn’t about avoiding conflict. It’s about managing it in a way that ensures everyone stays focused on the learning objectives. By using calm language, maintaining a neutral tone, and acknowledging emotions, trainers can help diffuse tense situations before they escalate. This creates an environment where all learners feel safe to ask questions and participate.
The Benefits of Mastering Communication
When trainers improve both their verbal and nonverbal communication, they see a marked improvement in their learners’ engagement and understanding. Learners are more likely to ask questions, participate in discussions, and retain information when communication is clear and empathetic.
For example, in a corporate training session, a manager might use open body language and clear explanations to connect with their team. As a result, employees are more likely to feel comfortable voicing concerns and offering ideas, which creates a more collaborative and productive environment.
Similarly, when nonverbal communication is in sync with verbal messages, learners are more likely to trust the trainer and feel motivated. This leads to greater success in achieving learning objectives.
Final Thoughts
Rachel Desoto-Jackson’s work at RDJ Creative Consulting is about more than just training. It’s about transforming how trainers communicate with learners. By focusing on verbal and nonverbal communication skills, empathy, and de-escalation techniques, Rachel helps create learning environments that are both effective and supportive. Whether it’s a corporate training session, a classroom environment, or one-on-one coaching, mastering the language of learning can make all the difference in helping learners succeed.
To learn more from Rachel, check out her podcast on Spotify.
Mathew Despins is a marketing specialist based in Boston, Massachusetts. He has worked with a number of global brands.