Active Listening and Non-Verbal Cues

This project offered me a unique experience in the application of my prior active listening skills. While recording for the three scenarios, I noticed that my internal monologue served as the biggest barrier, whether my role being an observer, sender, or receiver in the model. Frequently, such monologue is merely my presumption of others’ response in the conversation. For example, when John expressed his indifference in the discussion topic through body language in the first scenario, my internal monologue flew rampantly as I imagined all the techniques he might employ in the attempt to terminate the conversation. As discussed in lecture, internal monologue is a communication blockade. Not only does it justify selective listening and presumed stereotypes of the speakers or the message communicated, but also interfere with decoding of the message. In order to combat such barrier, I found it helpful to engage in meditation and yoga at least weekly, as both of the practices reinforced the ability to clarify thoughts and strengthened mind control by establishing inner peace.

However, my attentiveness to paralinguistic cues seemed to the most successful component. This is could be attributed to my fascination with human psychology and the few books I have read concerning the mystery of body language. By simply involved in the conversation, my attention in noticing any subtle changes of the other individual’s body language will not be distracted. Therefore, I find it relatively effortless in spotting others’ underlying message when combining the content of the message with cue clusters in the following three scenarios. Overall, this project is quite beneficial for those who wished to improve their competencies in the field of activ...

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...xciting talk for the weekend plan.

Overall, the conversational flow is generally smooth, with both of us providing ongoing feedbacks. Sammi appropriately practiced fogging when challenged by my criticism. However, our conversation could be even more effective when Sammi use negative inquiry instead of a blocking response. Also due to the transient nature of our discussion, I failed to employ any empathetic statements, especially when knowing her hectic schedule may be principle factor attributed to the recent behaviors. Our friendly relationship seemed not to be altered followed the conversation. What is better is that Sammi managed to clean up her room earlier that she had promised. As a result, it was a successful conversation, as both parties engaged attentively and actively by practicing several techniques concerning assertiveness and responding to criticism.