Chatting – Group Work

2. 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?

3. Active Listening Communication that involves giving feedback to the speaker to confirm what they have heard and to confirm understanding.

4. 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=aP55nA8fQ9I http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TA-RaDNVKpw http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VOubVB4CTU

5. 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?”

6. 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:“Whatdo you think would happen if you...?”

7. 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.

8. 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).

9. Implementing Active Listening Assigned Group Work • 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!