Writer's Choice Grade 12

Unit 29: Listening and Speaking

Overview

As you probably already know, speaking and listening skills affect your success in school, sports, jobs, and personal relationships. In any given situation, you may use more than one of the following types of listening: empathic listening, or understanding and responding to another's feelings; critical listening, which requires separating facts from opinions; reflective listening, or identifying main ideas and their implications; and appreciative listening, which involves enjoying and interpreting a performance. Follow these strategies to listen actively: prepare to listen, listen, interpret the message, and respond to the message.

Use these strategies when evaluating any message, including persuasive messages and literary performances. To analyze and evaluate persuasive messages, ask yourself the following questions. What is the purpose of the message? To what audience is the message targeted? What is fact? What is opinion? Are there errors in reasoning? What persuasive techniques does the message employ? What values and biases does the message reflect? After you have answered these questions, you can form your own opinion of the message. To assess a literary performance, consider the performer's voice qualities and body language. Also think about what literary elements the performance emphasizes. After considering all of these factors, rate the performance.

This unit provides some valuable tips for speaking effectively in both informal and formal situations. When speaking informally, present your points logically, let others speak without interruption, and encourage others to speak or ask questions in the course of your discussion. A formal speech is prepared, rehearsed, and delivered at a prearranged place and time. To prepare for a formal speech, consider your audience and your purpose, gather information, and organize an outline. When you're ready, draft the speech, beginning with an anecdote, a question, a quotation, an amazing fact or statistic, or humor. After the draft is finished, revise as necessary, prepare any required materials for the speech (e.g., note cards), and rehearse the presentation. Use both verbal and nonverbal techniques to effectively deliver your message.

As mentioned previously, employing active listening and effective speaking will help you to contribute positively to a group. A study group operates most effectively if all members follow these guidelines: be prepared, focus on the issue, listen actively, show respect, state your ideas clearly and concisely, respond constructively to the ideas of others, and encourage everyone to participate. Follow similar guidelines when interviewing, but also remember to present a positive attitude and self-image, use positive body language, and thank the interviewer. Good interviewing skills can help you get into a good college, land your dream job, and advance in your career field. Formal meetings often follow parliamentary procedure and use motions, or proposals for action, to initiate discussion.