1. The Vocation of Listening
Maria Andrade-Johnson, Ed.D., M.A.

2. Moses’ response to God’s call: the beginning of encounter
”Here I am, Lord” – readiness to listen, even to the silent, hidden other, open to what will be revealed
Eli’s instruction to Samuel when he seeks out information about who and what is this “call” he is experiencing: stepping out in wonder and inquiry
“Speak, Lord, your servant is listening”—the calm of acceptance of the other, listening for messages we might not always understand
Theologically grounded... Before we can listen to others, we make space to listen to God and ourselves

3. “We might say that in dialogic ethics, listening is my vocation, my calling. And this vocation of listening requires an encounter with the unknown; listening draws forth something hidden, bringing something new into the world (Liperi, 2012)”.
“We empower the disinherited, the outsider” (Morton, 1985, p. 128).
Laub’s (1992) listening as creation
Listening gives “birth” to a thought or event
The knowing of the “thought” or “event” is given a listener who is like a midwife to the birth and unfolding
Buber’s “I and Thou”
Grounded in relationship and justice... Dialogue, Respect: being to, for, and with the “other”

4. Five Guiding Principles for Active, Ethical Listening
Pay attention, sounds obvious—attending is not.
Show that you're listening.
Wait, give feedback appropriately to help speaker clarify or deepen communication.
Defer judgment. Suspend evaluation-place oneself in other’s shoes.
Respond appropriately. Be direct, respectful, empathic, principled.
Five Guiding Principles for Active, Ethical Listening

5. A look at listening...on the lighter side
How to Communicate with Children And, others!
A look at listening...on the lighter side

6. Practical Tips for Active, Ethical Listening
Focusing on another is hard work-- control noise and distractions.
What to do while listening:
Nod
Punctuate with spoken listening signals--“hmm,” “Oh,” “I see”
Body posture
Make and sustain eye contact.
Ask open-ended questions—”Have you ever considered...?”
Ask clarifying questions—”So, I hear you saying...is that right?”
Resist temptation to launch into your own similar personal story.
Do not say, “I know how you feel.” It diminishes the singularity of the other’s experience.
Practical Tips for Active, Ethical Listening

7. Steps for Active, Ethical Listening
How to Actively, Ethically Listen
Steps for Active, Ethical Listening