Public Speaking Exam 1 - Ch. 5 notes

importance of listening

college students time

• listening 45%

• speaking 30%

• reading 16%

• writing 9%

Almost half of communication is spent listening

listening is two-way communication

hearing

the physiological, continuous, and largely involuntary process of perceiving sound (passive)

listening

the conscious act of receiving, constructing meaning from, and responding to message (active)

• learned skill

• active

• implies that message is being received

physical distractions

disturbances that originate in the physical environment and are perceived by the listeners senses

physiological distractions

disturbances that originate in a listeners illness, fatigue, or unusual bodily stress

psychological distractions

disturbances that originated in the listeners attitudes, preoccupations, or worries

factual distractions

disturbances caused by attempts to recall minute details of what is being communicated

semantic distractions

disturbances caused by confusion over the meaning of words (mis speaking)

active listening

listening that is purposeful and focused, this is a learned skill

• set goals

• listen for main ideas

• search for the speakers organizational pattern

Listening tips

• avoid multitasking

• guard against defensive listening

• beware of laziness and overconfidence

• overcome cultural barriers (accents, word choice, appearance)

• avoid day dreaming

• listen with the whole body

critical thinking

the ability to evaluate claims on the basis of well-supported reasons

• listeners should evaluate the speakers evidence

• analyze the speakers biases

• asses the speakers reasoning

• consider multiple POVs

• summarize and asses facts and evidence

guidelines for constructive critiques/feedback

• begin with a positive statement and end with a positive statement

• target a few key areas for improvement but not every area

• be specific

• be honest yet respectful

• personalize your comments

• help create an action plan to improve

• adjust to individual speakers style