Chapter 3 Listening

active listening

giving undivided attention to a speaker in a genuine effort to understand the speaker's point of view

listening

hearing it, understanding it, interpreting, and attending; paying close attention to, and making sense of, what we hear

appreciative listening

listening for pleasure or enjoyment

critical listening

listening to evaluate a message

empathetic listening

listening to provide emotional support for the speaker

comprehensive listening

listening to understand the message

hearing

mechanical reception of sound; the vibration of sound waves on the eardrums and the firing of electrochemical impulses in the brain

spare "brain time"

the difference between the rate at which most people talk (120-150 wpm) and the rate at which the brain can process language (400-800 wpm)

key-word outline

an outline that briefly notes a speaker's main points and supporting evidence in rough outline form

4 things to do when listening for technique:

-analyze the introduction -asses the organization of the speech -study the speaker's language -diagnose the speaker's delivery

2 ways to resist distractions:

-anticipate what the speaker is going to say and compare it to what is actually said -review what speaker says and make sure you understand it

4 types of listening:

-appreciative -empathic -comprehensive -critical

2 problems inefficient note takers suffer from:

-don't know what to listen for -don't know how to record what they do listen for

4 basic questions to ask about a speaker's evidence:

-is it accurate -is it objective -is it relative -is it sufficient

When focusing your listening, what 3 things should you be listening for in a speech?

-main points -evidence -technique

4 causes of poor listening:

-not concentrating -listening too hard -jumping to conclusions -focusing on delivery and personal appearance

3 skills involved in critical thinking that are important in critical listening:

-separating fact from opinion -spotting weaknesses in reasoning -judging the soundness of evidence

3 skills involved in critical thinking that are central to comprehensive listening:

-summarizing information -recalling facts -distinguishing main points from minor points

7 ways to become a better listener:

-take listening seriously -be an active listener -resist distractions -don't be diverted by appearance or delivery -suspend judgment -focus your listening -develop note-taking skills

The aim of ___________________ is to set aside one's own prejudices, frames of reference, and desires so as to experience as far as possible the speaker's world from the inside

active listening