Task 5 Being a Good Listener

Being a Good Listener 30 MinExercise: Form groups of 3 people by numbering trainees into 1/2/3.

Convey that nos 1 are ‘messengers’ and group 2/3 are listeners.

Messengers pick a topic about a recent incident they had with their family or friends and speak about it for 3 minutes.

Group 2/3 pick a Metacard provided to them which has an instruction on how they should listen and behave accordingly. After 3 min bring the group together and ask the speakers about their impressions about the listening skills of their peers.

Visual Aid 1.3.13:  Instructions for Metacards

Messages on the listening cards: use 1 instruction for 1 Metacard.

Instructions for No 2: examples for negative listening skills/lack of attention and interest

Interrupt the speaker regularly with loud voice and make judgments and negative statements. ‘how could you have done this…this is really stupid!....

Give advice even if you’re not asked without letting speaker finish story. You should have done….I would have….

Start whispering to the other listener and intend as if you are not interested in listening to the story

Start yarning and start scribbling onto a piece of paper

Instruction for No 3: examples for positive listening skills

Listen carefully and make some appreciative remarks how he/she has handled the situation

Make eye contact with the speaker, confirm, nod, be interested

Reflect with the speaker and ask clarifying questions to understand better…. Did I hear right…you…. Are you saying ….

Ask speakers which listener made them feel uncomfortable. These listeners should read out their instructions on the Metacard.

Ask speakers who they felt more listened to and more comfortable. These listeners should read out their instructions on the Metacard.

List positive listening behaviors on Flip chart

Visual Aid 1.3.14:  Positive listening behaviours

Positive listening behaviours
-          Listening is NOT hearing! -          Give speaker full attention, stop doing other things -          Appreciate the speaker’s openness to share -          Observe body language of speaker -          Figure out the speaker’s feelings and ask questions -          Give feedback only when asked