University of Florida
School of Music

Listening with a Purpose

  1. Anticipate
    1.  if we anticipate any experience, it has more meaning (movie, party, music, trip)
    2.  read before class - lecture will mean more and you can pay more attention to what is being discussed
    3.  the more you bring to it, the more you will get out of it

  2. General guidelines
    1.  go to all classes
    2.  notebook for each class.  Just imagine losing one notebook - what would happen if everything was in that notebook
    3.  sit up front - don't distance yourself from your education
    4.  don't engage in childish behavior, attention getter behavior (talking, putting your head on the desk, reading, fooling around)
    5.  get to know someone else in the class - compare notes

  3. Getting it all down
    1.  use what the professor writes down - chalkboard, handouts
    2.  use overhead material and/or films
    3.  repetition by the professor
    4.  signal words
            a.  numbers
            b.  superlatives
            c.  examples
            d.  introductions
            e.  conclusions
            f.  lists
    5.  pauses - gets everyone's attention
    6.  body language - includes tone of voice
    7.  conclusions of lectures can be a good summary of what the professor was discussing in class that day
    8.  taping is usually a waste - if you didn't listen to it the first time, why would you want to hear it again?
    9.  recopying notes can be good if you use it the right way

Overview

1.  Receiving information
        a.  use all senses
        b.  avoid distraction

2.  Integrating and perceiving meaning
        a.  leads to misunderstanding
                1.  cultural differences
                2.  context confusion
        b.  observe the speaker and the self
                1.  what went before
                2.  posture
                3.  proximity
                4.  movement, eyes
                5.  inflection, pitch, tone, volume
                6.  kinds of words chosen

Listening Skills

  • Relax and get comfortable - but not too comfortable.

  • Look at the speaker

  • Quiet your mind

  • Have prior knowledge

  • Keep focused