Post on 13-May-2015
The Importance of LISTENING
Paying AttentionBeing a good listener requires our undivided attention so that we can interpret not only spoken words, but also body language.
Paying Attention Maintain eye contact with
the speaker
(This may not apply depending on the cultural norms of the people in question.)
Paying Attention
Avoid distractions
(cell phones, side conversations,
etc.)
Paying Attention Don't mentally prepare your
response or interrupt the speaker
Paying Attention
Don’t judge the validity of what is being said.
Paying Attention Don’t look for errors in
what the speaker is saying!
(When holding a conversation with a second language learner, avoid correcting grammar errors!)
Body Language Be observant of the speaker’s
(and your own) body language and gestures..
Body Language These can indicate whether or not
you’re paying attention.
Body Language
Nod occasionally…
… but not in excess!
Body Language
Nod occasionally…
…and not to show that you approve or disapprove of what is being said.
Body Language
Smile or show signs of empathy to show that you are engaged in the conversation.
Body Language Use open and inviting posture to show that you are receptive to what the speaker is saying.
Body Language
Engage in the conversation with occasional vocalizations such as mmm-hmm or awww.
Provide Feedback At times we will need to ask questions in order to get clarification.
Provide Feedback However, always allow the speaker to finish before asking questions. Avoid the temptation to interrupt.
Provide Feedback Ask questions for clarification:
“What do you mean when you say…”
Provide Feedback Or… “Is this what you mean?”
Provide Feedback Sometimes it is helpful to paraphrase what the speaker has said to ensure that you understood correctly.
Provide Feedback
Examples of paraphrasing: “What I'm hearing is…”
Provide Feedback
Examples of paraphrasing: “It sounds like you are saying…”
Provide Feedback
Our own experiences impact our beliefs and influence the way in which we hear others.
Provide Feedback As a good listener, we must try to push our preconceived ideas aside so that we can receive all of the information.
Provide Feedback Once we have listened to what the speaker had to say, we may feel inclined to give feedback.
Provide Feedback Always try to respond in a way that is respectful of others, even if you don’t agree with their ideas or opinions.
Provide Feedback
Before giving feedback it is wise to put your comment to the Socrates ‘Test of Three’:
Provide Feedback Is it good?
Is it true? Is it useful?
Once you assess your feedback, you can decide whether or not to share it.
Listening Challenge
Now let’s put our listening skills to the test. Divide yourselves into small groups of 3 to 4 people. Try to group yourself with people you don’t know.
Listening Challenge
Each person will be given an opportunity to speak for a set period of time. While he/she is speaking, the rest of the group will practice listening.
Listening Challenge
The rest of the group will not talk or ask questions until the speaker’s time is up.
Listening Challenge When the time is up, the listeners will take turns providingfeedback.
Listening Challenge
“My experience of you is…”
Feedback will start with the phrase:
Listening Challenge
The speaker will stand up and remain standing until the group has finished giving feedback.
Listening ChallengeSpeaker #1:
Describe a problem or a challenge that you are currently facing.
Listening ChallengeFeedback:
“My experience of you is…”
Listening ChallengeSpeaker #2:
What is your greatesthope or dream
in life?
Listening ChallengeFeedback:
“My experience of you is…”
Listening ChallengeSpeaker #3:
Describe your greatestdisappointment or
personal failure thus far in your life.
Listening ChallengeFeedback:
“My experience of you is…”
Listening ChallengeSpeaker #4:
Describe a fear that you struggle with on a
regular basis.
Listening ChallengeFeedback:
“My experience of you is…”
Congratulations!
You have finished the listening challenge!
We will now begin applying these new skills to…
… learn a foreign language, gain insight into other cultures, and build better relationships with those around us.