Interactive Listening Activity:

The  Art  of  the  Paraphrase

a.k.a. "The Mirror"

Activity Rationale: Over the years, I have discovered that many people think they understand the definition of a paraphrase, but they really don't.  And that's what this activity is all about.   Be sure to read the guidelines in your textbook & also remember that a paraphrase is NOT your opinion of what the other person has said --NOR is it your commentary,  NOR is it an evaluation, NOR is it a super-short reductionist summary . It IS a reflection back of what you thought you heard [either  in terms of content or  in terms of feelings]

Directions To The Conversationalists:   In preparation for this in-class activity, be sure to  review Chapter guidelines for your course:

COST1600 = Chap 6 (in 15/14 eds & Mindtap - ) / updated page specifications pending . For now, read Ch 6 {explanation +"Communication Skill" + Skill Building" [pp.121-122;pp130-131[Chap7: pp. 94-95 {13e} or pp. 150-1]{12e}}  //

COST2625 =  Chap 4  Note: This book discusses active listening but it does not explain interpersonal paraphrasing.

COST1610 = Chap 5-esp. pp. 130-142 {6e}  or  pp. 137- 143{5e} //  

COST2622 = Chap 7 { CH8{5e}  } .  

 During the activity, first, you & your partner will orally brainstorm controversial topics until you find one on which you two disagree.  Begin a discussion on that topic.  After EACH person's statement, the partner must PARAPHRASE that statement ].  Only when the statement has been paraphrased to the satisfaction of the partner (& the silent observer,as well) can the conversation move on to the next statement/utterance.  Continue this statement-->paraphrase--> response sequencing until you are satisfied that you have fully examined each other's respective positions and that an "understanding" has been reached. Be aware that this will take longer than a regular conversation. The emphasis is NOT on what you have to say,  but on reflecting back what you have LISTENED to. 

Directions To The Silent Observers:   In preparation for this in-class activity, be sure to review Chapter guidelines for your course:

COST1600 = Chap 6  {explanation +"Communication Skill" + "On Your Feet"/"Skill Building"  

COST2625 =  Chap 4  Note: This book discusses active listening but it does not explain interpersonal paraphrasing.

COST1610 = Chap 5-esp. pp. 130-151 {7e}   or   pp.130-142 {6e}  or  pp.137- 143{5e} //  

COST2622 = Chap 7 {6e} /  CH8{5e} .  

  During the activity, for approximately 10 minutes, the other 2 people in your triad will be discussing a current topic which lends itself to disagreement & differing interpretations; therefore, listening problems may occur.

As the Silent Observer, you should not participate in the conversation, but do write down notes on what you observe in the listening behaviors of the others (especially  in reference to the listening factors covered in your text as well as anything that MAY have been discussed in your class , (e.g. "10 Keys..." handout, the slide shows and in the videoclips.) Different classes will have different lead-in materials.

At the end of their conversation, you will have an opportunity to tell the 2 conversationalists what you noticed about their respective listening skills & listening behaviors. Be tough!

________________________________________________RED  LINE__________________________________________________ 

see your class's chart below for the role you are being asked to play:  [use these shortcuts or scroll down]

COS- T-2622-AA__ F13

- COST-2625-BB _ F'22

- COST-1610-AA___ S'19

- COST-1600-LS __ F'21

- COST-2625-AA__ F'22

- COST-2622-AA   S ' 17

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 ( last updated 4/17/18) save doc in 2 folders

Verderber- 15e / 14e & 13e & 12e (1600)  //  O'Hair-6e // Beebe- 6e & 5e (1610) // Engleberg-6e & 5e (2622)