Listening and Perception

What this page covers

The resources here fall into two connected themes: listening and perception. Most are mind maps, so you can see each idea laid out in branches rather than in long paragraphs. A small set of flashcard decks, quizzes and notes sits alongside them.

On the listening side, the mind maps called Types of Listening walk through discriminative, empathic, comprehensive, reflective, interpretive and evaluative listening, plus informative listening with its keys. Listening to Speeches follows a path from selecting a sound to remembering ideas. Several maps on barriers to effective listening cover faking attention, distractions, prejudice, noise, interrupting and fear.

On the perception side, Steps in the Perception Process breaks the topic into selection, organization and interpretation, and looks at influences such as selective retention and selective perception. The Perceptions map defines schemata as stored information we use to interpret new experiences.

Where to start

1. Open one of the Types of Listening maps to get the main vocabulary.
2. Move to a barriers map to see what gets in the way.
3. Read Steps in the Perception Process to see how we select, organize and interpret information.
4. Look at Why Do Differences in Perception Occur? to see why two people can hear the same message differently.

Using maps and quizzes together

Read a map first, then cover it and say each branch out loud. After that, try a quiz such as Nonverbal Listening Skills Quiz or Study Guide Quiz. Wherever you lose points, go back to the matching branch. The Chapter 2 Definitions flashcard deck is useful for terms such as perception checking, empathy and facework.

Teachers can use a map as a ready-made handout or a discussion starter. Because several maps cover the same topic, you can compare how different contributors organized it.

Where this unit fits

This unit sits in the strand Interpersonal, Group and Intercultural Communication, within Communication and journalism. It focuses on the receiving side of communication: how messages are heard and interpreted.

Choose one map that matches what you are studying now, then check yourself with a quiz or a flashcard deck.