Course Descriptions

__MSI/Canterbury | Communication Skills Programs
__Active Listening


Target Population: All Employees
Group Size: Up to 20 participants
Length of Program: One Day
Course Format: "How-to" techniques and theory ... Varied listening experiences ... One-on-one and small-group listening drills ... Audio tapes ... Role-plays and discussions

The Need
Listening is the most frequently used communication activity; yet, formal training has been virtually ignored. Poor listening habits can produce misunderstood messages and strained working relationships among employees.

Objectives
 • To analyze and evaluate participants' current listening skills
 • To identify and isolate specific listening problems and recommend solutions
 • To practice positive active listening behaviors in work-related situations
 • To relate listening efficiency to job-related communications and proficiency,
    increasing comprehension, retention and recall

Program Content
 • Recognizing and breaking ineffective listening habits
 • Visualization techniques: Seeing as well as listening to the message
 • Using thought speed vs. speech speed: Turning down-time into up-time
 • Listening for total comprehension: A model
 • Maintaining attention during boring meetings and presentations
 • Applying psychology to the listening situation
 • Empathetic listening: Putting yourself in the speaker's place for better understanding
 • Paraphrasing for retention
 • Tuning out emotional static

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