Features of spoken text
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Spoken texts are longer. This means that
there is more repetition.
Minimizing distractions (turning off cell
phones, etc.)
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Taking notes (under-utilized way to
broaden the depth of learning)
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Leaning slightly towards the speaker
Spoken texts also have shorter, less complex
words and phrases. They have fewer
nominalizations, more verb-based phrases,
and a more limited vocabulary. Spoken
texts are lexically less dense than written
language - they have proportionately more
grammatical words than lexical words.
Spoken texts are:
more fragmented - more simple
sentences and more use of coordination
and, but, so, because rather than
subordination (embedding)
lexically less dense
longer
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Three basic listening models
Attentive Listening
Attentive listeners focus on the speaker and
work hard to eliminate distractions (such as
ambient noise or poor delivery skills). They
are also patient and let the speaker finish
their thoughts without interruption. While not
easy, attentive listening is essential for
effective communication.
Responsive Listening
Responsive listeners demonstrate to the
speaker that they are listening and
understanding what is being said, which
encourages the speaker to continue.
Encouraging responses may include both
nonverbal and verbal cues:
Nonverbal Responses
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Smiling
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Appropriate facial expression
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An affirmative nod of the head
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Good (appropriate) eye contact
Verbal Responses
• “Uh-huh”
• “I see”
• “Yes”
• “Really?”
• Occasionally repeating or paraphrasing
short phrases to show what you’ve
heard
Active Listening
Active listening is probably the most
important listening skill. It is “active”
because it combines the skills of listening
and responding without invalidating the
speaker’s comments, giving the speaker
personal opinions, advice, or trying to draw
ownership of the conversation away from
the speaker.
An
active
listener
monitors
the
communication of a message at both the
content and feeling level. They pay
attention to what people say, how they say
it, and why they’re saying it. Then, once the
listener feels they understand the sender’s
message, they paraphrase it back to the
speaker to ensure understanding prior to
responding with their own answer or
message. The listener’s goal is to first
understand the messenger’s thoughts,
feelings, and needs and then send them
back for verification of accuracy before
proceeding. When paraphrasing, it is
important to use your own words; don’t just
simply parrot back what the messenger
said.
Poses of poor listening or Factors that affect
listening
• Lack of interest
• Noise, Awkward seating positions and
temperature
• Distractions
• Personal bias
• Intrusion
Good listening habits
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Nod your head
Give a Response
Open Your Mouth
Practice Turn-Taking
Give Facial Expressions
Get Rid of Distractions
Talk Less
Look for Key Ideas
Don’t Judge Prematurely
Advising
Ask Questions
Avoid negative altercasts like:
“Here’s what’s wrong with that.”
“What bothers me about that is.”
Avoid perceived knee-jerk reactions like:
“It’ll never work and here’s why.”
“Well, that goes without saying.”
“Well, yes I knew that.”
• Paraphrase
• Judging
Importance of listening
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Reduces Misunderstandings
Builds Empathy
Limits Judgements
Improves Business Relationships
Increases Productivity
Enhances Leadership Skills
Providing Feedback
Listening and critical thinking
Critical thinkers must first engage in highly
active listening. Active listening provides
critical thinkers with what is needed to
organize the information they hear,
understand its context or relevance,
recognize unstated assumptions, make
logical connections between ideas, and
draw conclusions.
To be a successful public speaker, you’ll use
active listening and critical thinking skills all
the time. Example;
➢ Recognizing problems and finding
workable solutions to those problems
➢ Gathering relevant information
➢ Using language clearly, efficiently, and
effectively
➢ Interpreting
data
and
forming
conclusions based on that data
➢ Making sound conclusions and/or
generalizations based on given data
➢ Testing conclusions and generalizations