Conversations and Active Listening
What does staying on topic mean? Give me an example.
Staying on topic means we are not changing the topic of conversation until we sense the conversation is wrapping up.
What is Nonverbal communication?
Nonverbal communication is the way we communicate with others without using words. Nonverbal communication involves body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice.
When reading the room, what are the two most important things to consider?
What is the overall energy level of the room? (Volume, physical activity levels)
What is the body language communicating? (Open or closed)
A friend asks you to hang out, but you really would like to take the night to yourself. How should you respond?
By kindly declining, saying something like "I am going to have some alone time tonight, but I would love to find another time to hang out soon."
What is the awareness wheel used for?
The awareness wheel is a tool to communicate what we are feeling, perspective take, and resolve conflict.
What are the four parts of active listening? (Body clues)
Eye contact
Facing the speaker
Not speaking while someone else is speaking (closed mouth)
Listening ears
What is the DEAR Technique used for?
The DEAR technique is used to politely communicate something you want, need, and/or how you are feeling to someone else.
When is it not a good time to join a conversation?
If someone's body language is closed and/or they look like they want space and privacy.
A friend keeps showing up at your dorm room unannounced when you do not want company. How should you respond? What method could you use to communicate how you are feeling and what you need?
Kindly communicate how you are feeling and what you need to your friend. You can use the DEAR technique.
Why is it important to use "I" statements?
It is important to use I statements because they help keep the other person not feeling attacked or blamed.
When staying on topic, what are three ways you can continue the conversation?
Make a comment.
Ask a follow-up question.
Relate to what the speaker is saying.
What does each letter represent and mean in the DEAR technique?
D-Describe
E-Express
A-Asssert
R-Reinforce
How do you know if someone is not interested in having a conversation?
You meet someone new who seems nice. You are nervous but want to invite them to get lunch with you. How can you initiate plans with them?
By saying something like... "Hey, it was really nice to meet you. I would love to continue getting to know you. Would you want to grab lunch sometime together?"
What are 4 of the parts included in the awareness wheel?
Sensory Data/Facts
Thoughts
Feelings
Wants
Actions
How do you enter a conversation?
We can enter a conversation by first observing to notice if it's ok for us to join, approaching the person, greeting, and beginning the conversation.
Why is considering the tone of voice important when having a conversation with someone?
The way we say things could change the meaning of the words. Considering tone of voice means we are taking time to better understand what someone may mean.
Yes, their body language is open and inviting. They are not focused on their homework but are just having a good time together, based on what we know.
You overhear classmates talking about something interesting and want to join the conversation. What could you say?
NA
Other than using the awareness wheel, what are some other important steps to take when resolving conflict?
Taking a deep breath
Take a step back
Think before reacting
Work to understand before trying to be understood
What are the different parts of the listening cycle, and what is it used for?
The listening cycle is a process we can use to show people we truly listened to what they were saying.
The steps include:
Attend
Acknowledge
Invite
Summarize
and Ask
If someone said, "I can't wait to go home for winter break," but they are looking down, crossing their arms, look sad, and seem to have very low energy. How do you think they really feel about going home for winter break?
What they are saying and what their body are communicating are two different things, she says she is excited, but it seems she is feeling sad.. It might help to ask them to clarify how they are feeling.
You see Ms. Kelly standing in the corner away from everyone else having a serious conversation with another student. What do you think is happening? Is it ok to join?
It seems like they are having a private conversation because they are standing away from everyone else, and their facial expressions show that it's important. We should give them space and not join.
A friend often makes teasing jokes that hurt your feelings. You want to stay friends but also need to feel respected. What could you say?
"It hurts my feelings when you tease me about that. I would appreciate it if we could joke about something else."
Your roommate keeps borrowing your things without asking. You don’t want to cause conflict, but it’s bothering you. Using the awareness wheel, what could you say to your friend?
NA