Well done for Children in Need Im a

Well done for Children in Need!

I’m a good listener

Listening Have you ever been in the middle of a conversation when the person you are talking to just gets up and walks away? Or fiddles in the chair? Or looks everywhere but at you? How does this make you feel? Most people feel hurt. The listener acts as though he or she has absolutely no interest in what the speaker has to say. And yet, when it is their turn to talk, they expect, if not demand, attention.

Are you a good listener or a bad listener? Let’s take a look and see which one you think you are.

Does not look at the person speaking What would you like for tea tonight my dear? The bad listener

Does not answer in the correct way It’s outside in the garden

Hurry up I haven’t got all day I’m not sure how to say this Rushes the speaker

Interrupts the person speaking Do you want a game of football? I was just flying down Combermere Road when suddenly…

Doesn’t ask appropriate questions How many eggs are in half a dozen? The world is made up of lots of different countries

Looks at the person who is speaking What would you like for tea tonight my dear? The good listener

Answers in the correct way to show that they have listened Please could I have a ham salad

Does not rush the speaker It’s ok just take your time I’m not sure how to say this

Does not interrupt the person speaking I’ll wait until he is finished before I say anything I was just flying down Combermere Road when suddenly…

How many countries are there sir? Asks appropriate questions The world is made up of lots of different countries

Here are some tips for being a good listener

1. Give your full attention to the person who is speaking. 2. Make sure your mind is focused. If you feel your mind wandering, change the position of your body and try to concentrate on the speaker’s words. 3. Let the speaker finish before you begin to talk. 4. Let yourself finish listening before you begin to speak. 5. Listen for main ideas. The main ideas are the most important points the speaker wants to get across. 6. Ask questions. If you are not sure what the speaker has said, just ask. 7. Give feedback. Sit up straight and look directly at the speaker. Now and then, nod to show that you understand. At appropriate points you may also smile, frown, laugh, or be silent. These are all ways to let the speaker know that you are really listening. Remember, you listen with your face as well as your ears!

I’m a good listener