The following scenario will enhance your ability to understand and apply active listening skills. As you watch the first video, recall what you’ve learned about active listening, and then complete the Your Turn prompts. Finally, watch the Take Two! video to explore how this scenario could have gone differently.
1. The Problem
Reynaldo asks his close friend Mirirai for her feedback on an informative speech he is preparing for class. They agree to meet up between classes so he can practice his speech with her.
2. Your Turn
Observations. Reflect on how Mirirai and Reynaldo communicated in this scenario by answering the following questions:
- Which character do you identify with more in this situation? How would you feel if you were in his or her situation?
- Where were the missed opportunities to practice competent communication?
Discussion. In class or with a partner, share your thoughts about the interaction between Mirirai and Reynaldo and work to answer the following questions:
- Can you understand both perspectives?
- What could Reynaldo and Mirirai have done differently?
3. Take Two!
What if things had gone differently? Watch the Take Two! video to see one possible example of how the conversation might have gone if Reynaldo and/or Mirirai had communicated differently. As you watch the video, consider where the dialog reflects strong active listening skills. After watching the video, answer the questions below:
- Did Reynaldo and/or Mirirai take advantage of opportunities that they missed in the first scenario? Which ones?
- Did their different actions result in a more productive encounter? Please explain.