 Active Listening The Lost Art of Communication
Instructions: Ask your partner the following questions. 1. In your opinion, what are the qualities of a good listener? 2. When someone is talking to you, how do “you” express agreement and disagreement without using words? 3. There is an old saying: “Silence is Golden.” In your opinion, does this pertain to being a good listener? 4. How do you know that someone is “not” listening to what you are saying? 5. In your opinion, do you think Canadians are “good listeners”? Why/Why not? Instructions: Complete the following chart.
Instructions: Read the text and complete the comprehension and writing questions that follow. Replace the vocabulary words from above into the following article: It is no ___________ that we are born with two ears and only one mouth. Therefore, one can assume that we are meant to listen twice as much as we are meant to speak. In principle, most of us agree with this ___________; however, putting it into practice is another matter entirely. In our globalized information-rich society, having highly developed communication skills is essential. 1 Most managers, CEOs and executives are more concerned with improving their speaking skills; when in reality, they would lead more successful companies and organizations if they were to focus on improving their listening skills. ___________, listening is the most ___________ and least valued of the communication skills. Poor listening habits will put you at a disadvantage professionally, socially and domestically. In the following article, we will explore some fundamental guidelines for better listening. First and foremost, look directly at the person who is speaking. Making eye contact with the speaker shows that you are actively involved in the conversation. You become a ___________ listener rather than a passive observer. By focusing on the speaker, you will be able to interpret the ___________ of the message which is often expressed not in words but in the speaker’s facial expressions and body language. Secondly, try to ask questions. Unfortunately, this is not always easy because you have to be careful not to interrupt the speaker. In Robert L. Montgomery’s article “Are You a Good Listener?”, he suggests that you “develop the tools of a reporter”. Try to elicit further information by asking open-ended questions that will allow the speaker to furnish additional information. Avoid questions that result in one-word answers such as: “What is your name?” Instead, pose questions that will allow the speaker to ___________, such as: “Tell me a little about yourself.” 2 When engaging in this sort of communication, both the speaker and listener gain rapport which in turn makes the relationship much more meaningful. Thirdly, check your emotions and opinions at the door. At times, most of us are ___________ to anger and prejudice. 3 Worthwhile communication occurs when we keep these communication stumbling blocks in check. When you are engaged in the act of listening, you are not trying to confirm preconceived expectations, but rather, you are striving to be an objective listener. 4 There is an old Danish proverb: “Fools learn nothing from wise men, but wise men learn much from fools”. Finally, be aware of your body language because it can express a thousand words. Robert L. Montgomery suggests that we be responsive in our “demeanor, posture and facial expressions. 5 When someone is talking, face him/her directly, nod your head occasionally, and don’t forget to ___________ the occasional “uh-huh” and “mm”. Listen for a natural pause in a conversation which is the cue for you to add something to the dialogue. Remember that listening is an “art” that must be practiced in order to be perfected. 1. The word “furnish” (in the 3rd paragraph) is: (a) an adjective (b) a verb (c) a noun (d) an adverb 2. Find an antonym in the last paragraph for the word “remove”. ___________________ 3. What does the phrase “keep these communication stumbling blocks in check” mean? Restate in your own words. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 4. All of the following statements are true EXCEPT: 5. The author has removed the following sentence from the article: As a manager, by asking these types of open-ended questions, you will gain valuable insight into the needs, problems and objectives of your staff. Indicate where this sentence logically belongs by circling the square # to add the sentence to the paragraph. ? Extension Questions for Writing top Answer the following questions using sentence format. 6. To demonstrate that I am actively listening to someone, I __________________________ _______________________________________________________________________. 7. Children often interrupt their parents when they are speaking. What are some strategies you can use to teach children how to be “good listeners”? _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ 8. What activities/exercises could be used in your English class to help improve listening skills? _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ Expressing Conditions without “If” In addition to “if clauses”, there are other structures that can be used to express conditions. 1. We can use unless: [example] I will be there at six unless traffic is backed up. It is often used to express a “warning”. [example] You’ll be tired in the morning unless you get to bed soon. In this example, “unless” replaces “if + not”. 2. We can use as long as: [example] You can borrow my dictionary as long as you promise to return it tomorrow. 3. We can use provided (that) or providing (that): [example] Entering the United States is easy provided (that) you have all the appropriate documents. [example] Providing (that) you study, you should have no problem passing the exam. Ü When expressing the future, do not use “will” with unless, as long as, provided, or providing. You must use a present tense in these situations. Instructions: Write a new sentence using “unless” that expresses the same meaning. 1. You should listen attentively when someone is speaking to you, or you might miss an important piece of information. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 2. One must practice the art of listening, or one runs the risk of becoming an ineffective listener. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 3. If you do not approach every conversation as an “objective” listener, your preconceptions can impede your ability to truly listen and learn. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 4. Write your own sentence using the word “unless”. ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Instructions: Select the correct word or expression for each sentence. 1. We will have a picnic on Ward’s Island this Saturday unless/providing it rains. 2. You can eat in the classroom unless/as long as you clean up after yourself. 3. I don’t understand why you’re late unless/provided that you didn’t get my message. 4. Provided that/Unless Sonya ties her shoe, she'll trip and fall. 5. As long as/Unless we cooperate, we can finish the work easily. 6. Write your own sentence using “as long as”. _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ 7. Write your own sentence using “provided that”. _______________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________ |
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