Chapter Review

Chapter Activities

  1. Generate a list of distractions or “noise” you often face when trying to listen in a variety of situations, such as following instructions, getting directions, listening to a friend complain about his job, and so forth. Then, develop one or two strategies for overcoming each. Together with a small group (or your entire class), discuss more effective ways of attending to messages.

    Question

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  2. On the show Parks and Recreation (season three, episode six, “Indianapolis”) nurse Ann Perkins misunderstands a conversation with her boyfriend and doesn’t realize she was dumped. As her friend Leslie explains, “Here is what happened. Sweet and beautiful Ann has never been dumped before. And Chris is such a positive person that when he broke up with her she just didn’t realize it.” Write a brief essay on how not having a reference for something (like a breakup) can lead to misunderstandings.

    Question

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  3. In class, work in pairs with someone from a different hometown. Spend about three minutes describing your hometown (i.e., size, population, attractions, unique features, and other details) and then switch with your partner. Do not take notes during the process, but use other means (discussed in the chapter) to remember all the details. When you get home, write down as many of the details as you can recall. Compare notes with your partner the next class period. As a class, discuss your recall abilities.

    Question

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  4. image Watch the three videos on action-oriented listeners, time-oriented listeners, and content-oriented listeners while reading about listening styles. Then, write a one-page paper on the listening style that best fits your behavior, answering the following: What style do you use the most? Please provide specific examples to illustrate your understanding of the style. How could you improve your listening skills?

    Question

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  5. During the 2007 Miss Teen USA pageant, Miss Teen South Carolina became a victim of her own selective listening. As she became anxious during her interview, she inappropriately selected information from her stockpile of knowledge and rehearsed answers. (You can see a video of this on YouTube.) In a brief essay or with a small group, share your experiences with selective listening. How has this caused you to communicate inappropriately or to make incorrect decisions?

    Question

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  6. image Watch the three videos on incompetent listening: narcissistic listening, aggressive listening, and selective listening. Then work in groups to create role plays (or your own videos) of eavesdropping and pseudo-listening. Discuss strategies for dealing with all five incompetent listening styles and ways for developing improved active listening skills.

    Question

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