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Watch this video on the importance of listening. Consider the ways this video relates to the information in Chapter 4 of your textbook on the four stages of listening as well as the communication model covered in Chapter 1. Transcript available upon request.

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5 ways to listen better | Julian Treasure | TED

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One of the most important ideas in this lesson is the idea of cognitive dissonance. This is our tendency as humans to reject any information that doesn't fit with our previously held beliefs. Be careful not to fall into this trap, because it can lead to a lack of empathy and critical thinking.

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The term cognitive dissonance is used to describe the feeling of discomfort that results from holding two conflicting beliefs. When there is a discrepancy between beliefs for behaviors, something must change in order to eliminate or reduce the dissonance. A classical example of this idea (and the origin of the expression "sour grapes") is expressed in the fable The Fox and the Grapes by Aesop. In the story, a fox sees some high-hanging grapes and wishes to eat them. When the fox is unable to think of a way to reach them, he surmises that the grapes are probably not worth eating, as they must not be ripe or that they are sour. This example follows a pattern: one desires something, finds it unattainable, and reduces one's dissonance by criticizing it.

Other examples by Morton Hunt in his classic work 'The Story of Psychology':

When trying to join a group, the harder they make the barriers to entry, the more you value your membership. To resolve the dissonance between the hoops you were forced to jump through, and the reality of what turns out to be a pretty average club, we convince ourselves the club is, in fact, fantastic.

People will interpret the same information in radically different ways to support their own views of the world. When deciding our view on a contentious point, we conveniently forget what jars with our own theory and remember everything that fits.

People quickly adjust their values to fit their behavior, even when it is clearly immoral. Those stealing from their employer will claim that "Everyone does it" so they would be losing out if they didn't, or alternatively that "I'm underpaid so I deserve a little extra on the side."

Lets get on personal a cognitive dissonance hunt: What do you lie yourself about?

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Why We Lie to Ourselves: Cognitive Dissonance

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The term cognitive dissonance is used to describe the feeling of discomfort that results from holding two conflicting beliefs. When there is a discrepancy between beliefs for behaviors, something must change in order to eliminate or reduce the dissonance.

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Remember:
Evaluate the speech, not the speaker. Avoid personal attacks or judgements. Don't just criticize, make suggestions for improvements.
Consider these aspects of the speech:

Organization

Support or Evidence

Analysis

Language

Verbal and Nonverbal Delivery

You can find more about each of these aspects in the text.

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This lesson has some important and helpful points to keep in mind when you are listening to a speaker. Think about how you can apply these as you listen to speakers in our class. Here is my top tip: Put away your cell phone or any device that might be distracting!

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You will be getting experience in this course with both getting feedback and giving feedback. For the informative and persuasive speeches, you will complete a peer review of at least three of your classmates' speeches. For all three of your own speeches, I'll provide you with feedback and suggestions for improvement.

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What does your audience have in common? Find a point of connection that all (or almost all) of your audience can relate to or identify with. Think about common human emotions or experiences. Comedy often involves common experiences, like autocorrect fails.

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As you read through the information about Audience Analysis, consider how each aspect discussed may impact how your audience responds to what you say and how you say it. Resist the urge to stereotype, but do give consideration to the possible experiences, beliefs, and backgrounds of your audience.

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In this lesson, you will read about how to connect with an audience as a speaker as well as how you can be a better audience member as a listener. You will have a chance to practice both of these important skills in our class!