Active Listening
This activity encourages participants to deeply reflect on a question while using active listening practices with peers. It emphasizes focused listening and allows individuals to explore their thoughts in a supportive environment.
How to run it
- 1
Introduce the concept of active listening and its importance.
- 2
Discuss common challenges in listening during group discussions, like thinking of responses instead of fully engaging.
- 3
Form groups and outline the three roles: subject, active listener, and observer.
- 4
Have the subject share their thoughts on a chosen question while the active listener listens attentively.
- 5
The active listener should ask open-ended questions to support the subject's reflection without giving advice.
- 6
After a set time, rotate roles so everyone has a chance to participate.
Tips
Encourage full presence from all participants; this enhances the effectiveness of the listening experience.
Be patient and allow silences; they can lead to deeper reflection.
Remind the group to practice empathy and curiosity in their listening.
Variations
Adapt the activity by allowing participants to explore different types of questions, such as personal or professional challenges, to fit the group context.
Where it fits
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Try it freeMethod descriptions on Workshop Weaver are original content written by our team, based on established facilitation practices. This method was inspired by work from SessionLab. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.