Arrange our chairs in a circle. I will give the first person a statement. You must whisper the statement as best you can to your neighbor. You may NOT repeat the statement

What rules of the game made communication difficult? How do you know someone is paying attention to what you’re saying? What are some reasons why we don’t pay attention when someone is speaking? Let’s take a self assessment to see if we need to improve our listening skills!

Active listening intentionally focuses on who you are listening to, whether in a group or one-on-one, in order to understand what he or she is saying. As the listener, you should then be able to repeat back in your own words what they have said to their satisfaction. This does not mean you agree with, but rather understand, what they are saying.

1. Pay attention. Give the speaker your undivided attention and acknowledge the message. Recognize that what is not said also speaks loudly. Look at the speaker directly. Put aside distracting thoughts. Don’t mentally prepare a rebuttal! Avoid being distracted by environmental factors. “Listen” to the speaker’s body language. Refrain from side conversations when listening in a group setting.

2. Show that you are listening. Use your own body language and gestures to convey your attention. Nod occasionally. Smile and use other facial expressions. Note your posture and make sure it is open and inviting. Encourage the speaker to continue with small verbal comments like yes, and uh huh.

3. Provide feedback. Our personal filters, assumptions, judgments, and beliefs can distort what we hear. As a listener, your role is to understand what is being said. This may require you to reflect what is being said and ask questions. Reflect what has been said by paraphrasing. “What I’m hearing is…” and “Sounds like you are saying…” are great ways to reflect back. Ask questions to clarify certain points. “What do you mean when you say…” “Is this what you mean?” Summarize the speaker’s comments periodically.

4. Defer judgment. Interrupting is a waste of time. It frustrates the speaker and limits full understanding of the message. Allow the speaker to finish. Don’t interrupt with counter-arguments.

5. Respond Appropriately. Active listening is a model for respect and understanding. You are gaining information and perspective. You add nothing by attacking the speaker or otherwise putting him or her down. Be candid, open, and honest in your response. Assert your opinions respectfully. Treat the other person as he or she would want to be treated.

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With your partner, practice the effective listening technique chosen after each spin.

Lean forward, nod Let speaker complete ideas Give verbal encouragement Agree with speaker Paraphrase speaker’s ideas Reflect speaker’s feelings Ask Questions Maintain Eye Contact SPIN

Lean forward, nod Let speaker complete ideas Give verbal encouragement Agree with speaker Paraphrase speaker’s ideas Reflect speaker’s feelings Ask Questions Maintain Eye Contact

Lean forward, nod Let speaker complete ideas Give verbal encouragement Agree with speaker Paraphrase speaker’s ideas Reflect speaker’s feelings Ask Questions Maintain Eye Contact SPIN

Lean forward, nod Let speaker complete ideas Give verbal encouragement Agree with speaker Paraphrase speaker’s ideas Reflect speaker’s feelings Ask Questions Maintain Eye Contact

SPIN Lean forward, nod Let speaker complete ideas Give verbal encouragement Agree with speaker Paraphrase speaker’s ideas Reflect speaker’s feelings Ask Questions Maintain Eye Contact

SPIN Lean forward, nod Let speaker complete ideas Give verbal encouragement Agree with speaker Paraphrase speaker’s ideas Reflect speaker’s feelings Ask Questions Maintain Eye Contact

SPIN Lean forward, nod Let speaker complete ideas Give verbal encouragement Agree with speaker Paraphrase speaker’s ideas Reflect speaker’s feelings Ask Questions Maintain Eye Contact

Interpersonal Communication Group Communication Public Communication Interpretive Communication

Type of communication in which people (usually two persons) share meaningful information in order to build and maintain long- lasting and important relationships

Type of communication that occurs when people participate in a group for social or work purposes.

Type of communication in which an individual communicates before a large audience. This includes public speaking engagements.

Type of communication in which a speaker/actor bring literature to life for an audience. (Examples include storytelling, dramatic readings, puppet shows, plays, operas, and monologues.)

What does active listening look like? What are the four types of oral communication we learned today?

To practice interpersonal communication we are going to interview a peer and present what we learned about the person later today. Prepare five (5) questions to ask your peer During your interview, practice active listening. During your presentation, practice your verbal and nonverbal communication skills. You will be graded on your presentation