Purpose
The purpose of this exercise and discussion is to appreciate the power of listening, including nonverbal behaviors, and how it impacts overall communication. This will meet Module Objectives 1-3.
Instructions
This discussion has three parts: a listening exercise, a discussion post, and discussion replies.
Listening Exercise
- Find a Partner: Ask a partner to participate in this exercise.
- Distracted Listener:
- Ask your partner to play the part of a distracted listener. They can use things like no eye contact, fidgeting, rolling eyes, interrupting, etc.
- Speak to your partner about your favorite vacation for one minute (time it) while they act as a distracted listener.
- Discuss with your partner how it felt for both of you.
- Active Listener:
- Reverse roles, and this time, you be an active listener (maintain good eye contact, acknowledge with verbal cues like “ah hah” and “umm,” don’t interrupt, sit comfortably in an open position, etc.) while your partner talks for one minute.
- Discuss again how it felt for both of you.
Discussion Board Post
- Answer the Following Questions:
- When you were the speaker and your partner was a distracted listener, how did it feel to both of you?
- When you were the active listener and your partner was talking, did that feel different for both of you?
- How does being an active listener relate to improving the effectiveness of your communication with others?
- How did nonverbal cues (detractors or enhancers) and tone of voice affect your communication during the exercise?
- Post Requirements:
- Copy the above statement to start your post.
- Write 1-2 paragraphs to answer the questions fully.
- Complete your post by Wednesday or Thursday of the week due to give your classmates time to read and reply.
Reply to Classmates
- Respond to At Least Two Posts:
- Replies should not be to another reply.
- Write more than "I agree" or "Good job." Aim to prompt further discussion or debate.
- Replies are due by Sunday, 11:59 p.m.