PAYING ATTENTION-LISTENING SKILLS (KCSE ORAL SKILLS)

TOPIC: ORAL SKILLS 

CLASS: FORM FOUR 

 Objective:

a) By the end of this lesson the learner should be able to maintain acceptable communication skills.

 

PAYING ATTENTION (LISTENING SKILLS)

Active listening is a vital skill for improving our communication skills. We should strive to develop it.

You need practice in order to become a better listener. 

Good listening involves giving full attention to the speaker, showing sincere interest and engaging earnestly in the conversation. It involves verbal and nonverbal cues. 

 

We can tell that a person is not paying attention when they;

·         Doze off 

·         Fumble or fiddle with objects

·         Gaze out of the window 

·         Chat with those close to them

·         Yawn 

·         Are unable to answer questions directed at them

·         Look restless 

·         Fidget. 

 

Barriers to effective listening

1.  Personal issues such as fear, anxiety, hunger or stress may cause lack of concentration. 

2.  Outside distraction such as noise in the nearby rooms or buildings, slamming doors, people chatting or whispering outside of the room or hall may hinder effective listening 

3.  Bias or prejudice against the speaker or the topic. Disagreeing with the speaker on personal level may distract you or make you close-minded. 

4.  Factors from the speaker for example inaudibility poor articulation of words and fast rate of speech. Try to paraphrase the speaker's words in order to remain occupied and thus alert.

5.  Poor grooming by the speaker may be a cause of distraction. 

6.  When the room is too hot or stuffy you may lose concentration. 

7.  When the speech is too long or packed with a lot of information or statistics and data you may lose track of the information and switch off. 

 

Importance of active listening skills

• Paying attention (listening attentively) encourages frankness, integrity and victory. 
• It helps build trust between you and the speaker thus encouraging him or her to keep talking. 
• It builds a positive working environment and helps in problem solving and resolution of conflict. 
• It also helps you retain useful information that you may need in future. 
• It also reduces miscommunication between two parties. 

 

Tips for effective listening (paying attention)

1.  Maintain meaningful eye contact with the speaker. Pay attention to nonverbal cues. 

2.  Nodding your head giving the speaker the impression that you are actively listening in order to encourage him or her. 

3.  Maintain an upright sitting posture while slightly leaning forward this shows interest 

4.  Ask relevant questions (for example where the speaker pauses)this shows that you have been listening and want to know more. 

5.  Sit close to the speaker; within hearing range. 

6.  Avoid distraction, for example the urge to look at people moving in and out of the room. 

7.  Raise your head high and strive to listen consciously. 

8.  Take notes as you listen. 

9.  Paraphrase the speech or information in your own words. Repeat the information back to the speaker to demonstrate your understanding. 

 

SAMPLE KCSE QUESTIONS ON PAYING ATTENTION (LISTENING ACTIVELY)

KCSE English Paper One 2022

Attentive listening is an important communication skill. Name three non verbal cues that can show someone that you are paying attention to what they are saying. (3 marks)

KCSE English Paper One 2021

Imagine that your class is having a talk on career choices. The speaker keeps asking the students to pay attention. Give six indicators that inform the speaker that his or her listeners are not attentive. 

KCSE English Paper One 2016

You are listening to a speech about careers by a visitor to your school. A few minutes into the speech, you look around and notice some of your fellow students are yawning, while others are showing signs of definite restlessness.

(i) What would be the likely cause of the students' behaviour?

(ii) What would you do to ensure you continue listening effectively?  (3 marks)

 

KCSE English paper One 2013

KCSE English Paper One 2008

c) Consider the situation below and then answer the questions that follow. 

You are part of an audience that is listening to a speech. You look around and notice that some people are looking at their watches, a few are yawning, and one or two are shifting in their seats.  

 

 i)What would be the likely cause of such behaviour? (3mks)  

 

ii) What would you do to ensure you continue listening effectively? (3mks) 

 

 

KCSE English Paper One 2007

The following is a conversation between a father and his daughter. Identify eight shortcomings of the father’s listening skills (8marks)

DAUGHTER: (shortly having arrived home from school) Good afternoon, Daddy.

FATHER: (Sitting complacently in the sofa, reading a newspaper. Looking up…..) Good afternoon (Resumes reading)

DAUGHTER: (Holding out her school report form) Daddy, I’m excited. My teacher said I was the best improved. I was………..

FATHER: Oh, you were? Me, I used to be number one. I was absolutely unbeatable.

DAUGHTER: Chemistry has been a particular headache (now looking at the report form which she thought her father would want to see), but this time…….

FATHER: (Stretching his arms, looking preoccupied) Chemistry for me was particular easy. I never scored anything less than 90%.

DAUGHTER: Dad, I was going to tell you that this time…….

FATHER: (Absent minded) By the way, where is your mum?

DAUGHTER: Mum is in the garden picking vegetables. But dad you are not listening to my story. I was telling you about Chemistry.

FATHER: You mean you have a story about chemistry? Chemistry is not about stories. It is hard science.

DAUGHTER: It’s about my improvement……..

FATHER: (laughing) Me, it wasn't a matter of improvement. I was always at the top of the class.

DAUGHTER: Daddy, I give up. You’re not listening.

FATHER: (looking surprised) Listening? I heard you: you were talking about improvement in chemistry, weren’t you?

DAUGHTER: Anyway, Dad. Thank you for paying attention. Enjoy your newspaper.

FATHER: Oh yes, I’m reading an interesting story about politics.

 

  Next we analyse oral skills notes on oral narratives.

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