This activity can be found in Pretty et al, (1995) - University of ...

07 FS3What are the barriers to effective listening?ObjectiveParticipants will be able to identify and understand the importance of verbal and nonverbal messages we send.Time25 minutesMaterialsMt 07 FS3.1 – listening scenariosTask & OrganisationInput for task: scenarios; own feelings3.1 (10 minutes – pairs) Explain to participants that each group will work through ashort exercise designed to help them practise and develop an aspect of theirlistening skills. Ask one member of each pair to think of a topic they would like totalk about for 3 to 5 minutes.Give the ‘listener’ in each pair one of the scenarios from (Mt 07 FS3.1) and askthem to follow the instructions.OutputIdeas on barriers to effective listening.Feedback(15 minutes – plenary) Discuss the ‘negative’ experiences of first the speakers and thenthe listeners. What were the characteristics of these? Then discuss the ‘positive’experiences and their characteristics. List these on two separate charts adding any youfeel may not have been mentioned.Once you have the list of potential barriers (negative experiences) elicit possiblesolutions to these.Point out to participants that just being aware of the barriers is often the first step toovercoming them.82 Jamaica All Age Schools Project: Facilitator Training for School Based Resource Teachers