📚 Topic Summary
Active listening is more than just hearing words; it's about truly understanding the message someone is trying to convey. As a teen, you're constantly bombarded with information and distractions, making it tough to focus. Practicing active listening helps you build stronger relationships, improve your communication skills, and even do better in school. It involves paying attention, showing that you're listening, providing feedback, deferring judgment, and responding appropriately.
🗣️ Part A: Vocabulary
Match the term to its definition:
| Term |
Definition |
| 1. Empathy |
A. Putting aside your own opinions to understand someone else's perspective. |
| 2. Non-verbal cues |
B. Paying close attention to both the words and the body language of the speaker. |
| 3. Reflecting |
C. Showing understanding by summarizing the speaker's message in your own words. |
| 4. Active Listening |
D. The ability to understand and share the feelings of another. |
| 5. Perspective-taking |
E. Body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. |
Answer Key: 1-D, 2-E, 3-C, 4-B, 5-A
📝 Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the paragraph using the words: understanding, attention, summarize, feedback, distractions.
To practice active listening, you need to give the speaker your full __________. Minimize __________ by putting away your phone and focusing on the speaker. Show __________ by nodding and making eye contact. You can also __________ what they said to ensure you've understood correctly. Offering __________ shows that you are engaged in the conversation.
Answer Key: attention, distractions, understanding, summarize, feedback
🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking
Describe a situation where active listening could have improved a conversation you had. What specific active listening techniques could you have used?