speech 2/23

Introduction to Listening

• Begin the conversation with a quote by William Isaacs from his book The Dialogue and the Art of Thinking Together (1999).

  • Quote: "Most of us, despite our best intentions, tend to spend our conversational time waiting for the first opportunity to offer up our own comments or opinions... People do not listen. They reload."

• Discussion Points:

  • Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?

  • Experiences of conversations where one party wasn’t listening.

  • Personal reflections on instances of poor listening habits.

Importance of Listening

• Listening is crucial in communication and encompasses a significant part of our adult lives.

• Reflection on a communication course: much time is devoted to listening rather than speaking.

Defining Listening

• Definition by International Listening Association:

  • Listening is the process of receiving, constructing meaning from, and responding to spoken and/or nonverbal messages.

• Key Components:

  • Receiving: Requires mindfulness and openness to the message.

  • Hearing vs. Listening: Hearing may not equate to receiving the message.

  • Responding: Can be verbal, nonverbal, or even no response at all.

Areas for Improvement in Listening Skills

• Recognition that most people need to improve their listening capabilities.

• Personal acknowledgment of challenges in being an effective listener.

• Mention of a TED Talk addressing five ways to become a better listener.

Challenges Faced in Listening

• Factors contributing to poor listening:

  • A noisy world with numerous competing stimuli.

  • Preference for 'sound bites' leading to less attention to longer content.

  • Increased use of headphones and a personal sound bubble that desensitizes us.

• Importance of engaging with the TED Talk to analyze the declining listening skills.

Risks of Not Listening

• Potential consequences of poor listening:

  • Missing important instructions in academic or professional settings.

  • Losing critical information necessary for exams or presentations.

Ways to Improve Listening

• The speaker in the TED Talk suggests five strategies for improving listening skills:

  • Incorporating Silence: Spending time in silence can enhance focus and comprehension during listening.