Active vs. Passive Listening

• Hearing is a passive process where sound is perceived through vibrations that stimulate the auditory system.
• Listening is an active process involving receiving, constructing meaning from, and responding to messages.

Types of Listening

• Discriminative listening is the most basic type
• Discriminative listening focuses on distinguishing sounds, tones, and voices rather than words or meaning
• An example of discriminative listening is a baby recognizing their mother’s voice or detecting tone.
• Comprehensive listening involves understanding and processing the message
• An example of comprehensive listening is a student following a lecture or a recipe

Types of Comprehensive Listening:

• Informative Listening focuses on gaining knowledge and understanding facts without judgment
  • An example of informative listening is watching a documentary or listening to a lecture
• Evaluative listening is used to analyze, judge, and assess the credibility of a message
  • An example of evaluative listening is a voter listening to a political speech looking for truth
• Reflective Listening (Empathic Listening) involves understanding emotions and reflecting back on what was heard
  • An example of reflective listening is a Therapist listening to a patient's concerns
• Selective listening involves filtering out irrelevant information and focusing on important information.
  • An example of selective listening is ignoring criticism but listening to compliments
• Entertaining listening involves listening for fun, relaxation, or creative engagement
  • Examples of entertaining listening are listening to music, audiobooks, or stand-up comedy

Roadblocks to Effective Listening

• Internal interference comes from distractions within the listener’s mind
  • An example of internal interference is personal thoughts
• External interference comprises environmental distractions that affect focus
  • An example of external interference is Background noise
• Language and cultural barriers are differences in language or cultural background that cause misinterpretation
• Speaker-generated variables are obstacles that come from the way the speaker communicates

Examples of Speaker-generated variables

• Unclear speech such as speaking too fast or mumbling
• A disorganized message or a lack of logical flow in the speech
• Lack of engagement stemming from a monotonous tone and lack of eye contact
• Excessive jargon involving using complex words unfamiliar to the audience
• Distracting mannerisms such as fidgeting, unnecessary gestures, and filler words ("um" or "uh")

Effective Listening Techniques

• The 3-Second Rule suggests waiting three seconds before replying to avoid interrupting and process the message
• The Paraphrase + Confirm Method involves repeating key points in your own words to ensure understanding
  • For instance, asking "So, you need help with the project next week, right?"
• Eliminating distractions includes putting away your phone, avoiding background noise, and maintaining eye contact
• Asking Open-Ended Questions encourages deeper conversation instead of yes/no answers
  • Instead of “Did you like the trip?” ask, “What was the best part of your trip?”
• Use Minimal Encouragers such as "I see," "Go on," or "Really?" to show engagement
• Close the Loop (Summarize + Action Steps) involves recapping key points and confirming next steps
  • Such as agreeing "So, we agreed I’ll help with the report, and you’ll send me the notes by tomorrow?”

Critical Thinking in Listening

• Identify the main message to find the speaker’s key point
• Analyze the speaker’s intent to determine if the speaker informing, persuading, or entertaining?
• Detect biases or misinformation to see if the message reliable?

Introduction to Public Speaking

• Public speaking dates back to ancient Greece (5th century BCE).
• Public speaking was essential for civic participation, especially in Athens
• Public speaking is both an act and an art aimed at informing, influencing, or entertaining an audience

Five Aspects of Public Speaking

• Speaker (Source of the Message)
  • A good speaker must be credible such that the audience must trust the speaker’s knowledge and experience
  • A good speaker must use emotional appeal to help build a connection with the audience
  • A good speaker must support claims with facts and evidence, while citing sources
• Speech (The Message)
  • An effective speech must be Clear using simple language
  • An effective speech must be relevant and tailored to the audience’s interests
  • An effective speech must be structured and follow a logical flow
    • Introduction should capture attention and introduce the topic
    • Body provides details, arguments, and evidence
    • Conclusion summarizes key points and leaves an impact
• Audience (Listeners)
  • A speaker must adjust the speech based on the audience's age, background, and interests
• Speaking Situation (Context)
  • Venue size, acoustics, technology
  • Psychological climate such as audience mood, interest level, and receptiveness
• Communicative Act (Delivery)
  • It is important that volume is loud enough for everyone to hear
  • Gestures Enhance the Message
  • Eye contact builds connection with the audience
  • Posture involves standing tall and relaxed

Characteristics of an Effective Voice

• Pleasant and Well-Modulated voices makes it easier for the audience to listen
• Clarity and Fluency involves proper pronunciation and smooth delivery, so avoiding too many pauses or fillers

Effective Speech Techniques

• The Hook Technique involves grabbing attention in the first 10 seconds by starting with a question, shocking fact, or story
• The Contrast Technique involves highlighting opposites to emphasize a point
  • For example: “Technology connects us globally, but are we growing more connected or more isolated?”
• The Pause-Punch Technique involves using strategic silence to create emphasis
  • For example: “Success is not about luck… (pause) …it’s about preparation.”
• Call and Response uses direct audience engagement
  • For example: “How many of you have faced failure before? Raise your hand.”
• Cliffhanger Technique involves leaving the audience wanting more
  • For example: “But what happened next… will shock you.”
• Analogy Technique involves comparing complex concepts to familiar ideas
  • For example: “Learning a new skill is like planting a tree—it takes time, patience, and care.”
• Allusion Technique references a famous event, work, or person
  • For example: “Like Martin Luther King Jr. once said, ’I have a dream.’”
• Hypophora Technique involves Asking a question, then answering it
  • For example: “Why are we here today? To create a better future.”
• Proximity Technique means move closer to the audience for impact
  • For example: (Stepping forward) “I need you to hear this.”