About the Episode
About the Episode: In this “quick take” episode, Jeremy discusses a communication bad habit that may seem harmless, but has a detrimental effect in the long run, and he replaces it with a good one.
Key Takeaways
- Good Questions Drive Engagement
Asking open-ended or generic questions like “Do you have any questions?” often leads to one-word answers or silence. Instead, ask specific, intentional questions to spark meaningful dialogue. - Tailor Questions to Students’ Needs
Use a casual tone and direct language that encourages students to open up about their feelings, preferences, and concerns. - Negative Framing Can Provide Clarity
Asking students about what they don’t like or want can help uncover their true priorities and preferences more effectively. - Leadership Conversations Benefit from the Same Tactics
Leaders should adopt this intentional questioning approach in one-on-one meetings with their teams to better support and develop staff.
Episode Summary: Key Questions and Answers
Why are habits so important in admissions and enrollment management?
Good habits ensure consistency and productivity, while bad habits can create unnecessary stress and prevent progress. Adopting better habits, such as asking intentional and direct questions, can significantly improve engagement and results.
What’s wrong with the question, “Do you have any questions?”
This open-ended question often triggers “question reluctance,” especially among students who don’t know what they don’t know or fear sounding silly. It’s not an effective way to spark meaningful conversation.
What are some examples of better questions to ask students?
- For admitted students:
- "What are you still trying to figure out about [School Name]?"
- "What are you most worried about when it comes to making your decision?"
- For prospective students:
- "How did you become interested in going to college?"
- "What kind of community or atmosphere are you looking for?"
- In any setting:
- "What kinds of schools would not be a good fit for you?"
Why does negative framing work?
People often find it easier to articulate what they dislike or want to avoid. Asking about “the wrong type of college” or why a particular aspect is important helps students clarify their thoughts and preferences.
How can leaders apply this approach with their teams?
Leaders should ask direct, intentional questions to understand their team members’ needs, challenges, and goals. Examples include:
- “What’s your biggest challenge right now, and how can I help?”
- “What are you most excited to accomplish this quarter?”
About the Show: Jeremy Tiers, a well-known speaker in college admission, enrollment marketing, and leadership circles is your host for Mission Admissions. Join him every other week as he sits down with industry leaders and difference makers from both inside and outside of Higher Ed. You'll walk away with advice, tips and strategies you can apply in your day-to-day life.
Connect With Our Host:
Jeremy Tiers
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremytiers/
https://twitter.com/CoachTiers
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Mission Admissions is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Some of our favorites include Generation AI and The Application with Allison Turcio.
Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
Connect with Us at the Engage Summit: Exciting news — many of your favorite Enrollify creators will be at the 2024 Engage Summit in Raleigh, NC, on June 25 and 26, and we’d love to meet you there! Sessions will focus on cutting-edge AI applications that are reshaping student outreach, enhancing staff productivity, and offering deep insights into ROI.
Use the discount code Enrollify50 at checkout, and you can register for just $200.
Learn more and register at engage.element451.com — we can’t wait to see you there!
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