Module 3 Learning Activity:
Effective Listening
10 points
Directions:
In this assignment you will...
- listen to a speaker address TWO different topics.
- After listening to Topic 1, you will tell the speaker what you experienced.
- After listening to Topic 2, you will tell the speaker a paraphrase of what she or he said.
Read Effective Listening
Read these directions through one time before beginning.
Carry out Steps 1-4 below with someone you know. Do the assignment in person, not on the phone (better for observing "body language").
Write a Reaction Essay by responding to the questions below.
Step One : Topic One
Ask the speaker to tell you something that's important to her or him. The first time you do this it's better that the topic NOT involve you personally or your relationship with the speaker. Let the speaker talk for up to five minutes.
Step Two
While the speaker is talking, just listen, and notice any urges you have to stop paying
attention or
to
interrupt with suggestions or comments. Notice where your attention goes, for example, if your
mind
drifts to other topics or you daydream. Notice if you feel critical, or if you have the urge to
comment or
advise.
Step Three
When the speaker has finished, tell her or him what you experienced. Share with the speaker if
you
were able to pay full attention to what was being said or if your mind was busy with something
else. If
you're new at this, you'll probably notice that it's difficult simply to listen.
Step Four: Topic Two
Do the exercise a second time. Ask the speaker to address a different topic than in Step One. Also, instead of telling the speaker your experience with listening, tell the speaker a paraphrase of what she or he said using...
- an emotion word that describes the speaker's feelings (not yours!)
- a because statement that describes the reason for that emotion from the speaker's point of view (not yours!)
"You seem nervous because you haven't found a job you want to do in the future."
-
nervous = emotion word that describes the speaker's feelings
because you don't haven't found a job you want to do in the future. = reason for the feelings
- your advice ("You should...")
- your opinion ("I think...")
- your judgments ("That's crazy/stupid/weird")
- your life history ("Here's what happened to me...")
- your predictions ("It/he/she will...")
At first, listening and paraphrasing may feel uncomfortable because it is not how we usually converse. But with a little practice you'll get good at it, and those with whom you communicate -- family, friends, lovers, and co- workers -- will appreciate you greatly for it.
Reaction Essay
Respond to the following questions and submit your responses to the Instructor.
- With whom did you carry out the Listening Exercise?
- In Step One, what topic did the speaker address?
- In Step One, what did you notice your mind doing while the speaker was talking?
- In Step Four, what was the topic of the speaker's remarks?
- In Step Four, write your paraphrase using the speaker's emotion word (not yours!) and the
speaker's because statement (not yours!).
Correct: "You're nervous because you cannot find a job you want to do."
Incorrect: "The speaker was nervous about not finding a job."
Incorrect: "I was bored because I've heard this complaint a million times."
- What effect did this exercise have on your usual listening style?
paraphrase:
As a noun: A condensed rewording of a statement, given in simple language for clarity.
As a verb: To render a paraphrase
