Turn Taking Practical

Case Application

The signature assignment’s goal is to apply your skills that you have learned throughout the semester, and to write about your experience.

Step 1: Complete the “Listening” Exercise

• Invite a friend, family member or any person you feel comfortable with them and ask them if they will help you in completing a homework assignment to practice your listening skills.
• It is important that you get their explicit permission and that you make it clear that this is an assignment.
• The exercise includes these parameters:
  • Listen to your partner for 50 straight (uninterrupted) minutes.
  • Withhold giving advice and judgement
  • Encourage openness and honestly.
  • Do not speak about yourself or relate the content from the speak to make it about you.
  • You can ask clarifying questions and in general, encourage your partner to speak and feel comfortable.
  • You may take notes during this exercise.
  • Use one tool you learned in class (examples: reflecting, mirroring, empathy, being quiet, anything!)
  • Notice your partner’s body language, tone and affect.

Step 2: Complete the “Experience” Paper

Paper Length: 4-6 Pages, 1 reference at least.

 After the completion of this exercise, you will write about your experience. You should address the following questions:

1. What did you notice about your partner’s body language, tone and affect throughout the exercise. Did it change or stay the same?
2. What was most difficult for you during this exercise?
3. What was easy for you?
4. What do you think your partner might have experienced while you were listening?
5. What were some of the things you wanted to do, but couldn’t given the parameters of the exercise? Why do you think that was the case?
6. What was the tool you decided to use? Why?
7. Why do you think it’s hard for us to listen to one another?
8. What is one thing you need to work on as a listener?