Chatting – Group Work
• Form a group of 3 to 4 people and discuss:»What you did on the weekend.»What you did last night for homework.»What upcoming assignments you have this
week.• Independent Reflection: – Who was the best listener? – Who was the worst listener?– What do you remember about your groups’ body
language during the conversation?
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Active ListeningCommunication that involves giving feedback
to the speaker to confirm what they have heard and to confirm understanding.
+Active Listening
• Watch the video clips and jot down some notes about
what active listening looks like and sounds like.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aP55nA8fQ9Ihttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TA-RaDNVKpwhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VOubVB4CTU
Active Listening Skills
• Paraphrasing & Summarizing– Repeat what you think the person said in your own words.
• Example: “Let’s see if I’m clear about this. . .” – Bring together the facts and information to check understanding
• Example: “So, it sounds to me as if . . .” “Is that it?”• Encouragers
– Use brief, positive prompts to keep the conversation going and show you are listening.• Example: “Oh?”
“I understand,” “Then?” “And?”
More Skills…
• Giving Feedback– Let the person know what your initial thoughts are on the situation.
Share insights, and experiences. Then listen carefully to confirm.• Reflecting & Probing
– To help the person begin, use “door openers” • Example: “I’m sensing that you’re feeling frustrated/worried...”
– Ask questions to get deeper and meaningful information• Example:“What do you think would happen if you...?”
Even More…
• Validation– Acknowledge their problems, issues, and feelings. – Listen openly, with empathy, and respond in an interested way.
• Example: “I appreciate your willingness to talk about such a difficult issue...”
• Pausing & Silence– Deliberately pause at key points for emphasis. This will tell the person
you are saying something that is very important to them. – Allow for comfortable silences to slow down the exchange. – Give them time to think as well as talk. Silence can also be very helpful
in diffusing an unproductive interaction.
Lastly…
• “I” Messages– By using “I” in your statements, you focus on the problem not the
person. – An I-message lets the person know what you feel and why.
• Example: “I know you have a lot to say, but I need to...”• Eye Contact & Body Language
– Look at the person talking to you and nod along when you understand what they are talking about.
– Have an open stance (avoid folding your arms and turning away from them).
Implementing Active Listening
• With your group, choose from the list of strategies you would use to demonstrate that you are actively listening.
• Provide an example that demonstrates how this wouldlook or sound.
• Be prepared to share with the class!
Assigned Group Work