How can you use active listening and critical thinking to create an authentic message?

1 What is active listening?

Active listening is a skill that involves paying attention, reflecting, and responding to what someone else is saying. It helps you to show respect, empathy, and curiosity, and to build rapport and trust with your speaker. Active listening also helps you to gather information, clarify meaning, and identify potential areas of agreement or disagreement. When you listen actively, you are not just hearing the words, but also the emotions, intentions, and assumptions behind them.

2 What is critical thinking?

Critical thinking is a skill that involves analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing information from various sources and perspectives. It helps you to develop logical, coherent, and evidence-based arguments, and to avoid fallacies, biases, and errors in reasoning. Critical thinking also helps you to challenge your own assumptions, beliefs, and opinions, and to consider alternative viewpoints and solutions. When you think critically, you are not just accepting or rejecting information, but also questioning, testing, and applying it.

3 How to use active listening and critical thinking before your speech?

Before you prepare your speech, it is important to do some research and analysis on your audience, topic, and purpose. To do this effectively, you can use active listening and critical thinking skills. For example, you can conduct interviews or surveys with potential listeners to understand their needs and expectations. Additionally, review relevant literature or media sources to gain background knowledge and identify key issues. Furthermore, define a specific goal and main message for your speech that aligns with your audience's needs and interests. Think critically about how to persuade, inform, or inspire listeners, and what benefits or value you can offer them.

4 How to use active listening and critical thinking during your speech?

When delivering your speech, it is important to engage and interact with your audience and adapt your message accordingly. Active listening and critical thinking skills can help you do this effectively. For instance, observe and respond to your audience's verbal and non-verbal cues, such as body language or tone of voice. Acknowledge and address their reactions and comments appropriately. You can also use rhetorical devices, such as questions or stories, to support your message and appeal to your audience's logic or values. Monitor and adjust your delivery, such as your pace or volume, to suit your audience's preferences. Think critically about how you can use these strategies to enhance your credibility, clarity, and impact while avoiding distractions or errors.

5 How to use active listening and critical thinking after your speech?

After your speech, it's important to evaluate and improve your performance, as well as follow up with your audience. You can use active listening and critical thinking skills to do this effectively. Seek feedback from your audience, peers, or mentors on your strengths and weaknesses, and your outcomes and impacts. Review and reflect on your speech by watching a recording, reading a transcript, or writing a journal. Think critically about what went well and what could be improved, and identify specific areas and actions for improvement. Communicate and connect with your audience by sending a thank-you note, sharing additional resources, or inviting further discussion. Consider how you can maintain and strengthen your relationship with your listeners, and achieve your long-term goals.