Listen Up Scenarios

Instructions: In pairs or small groups, choose one of the scenarios below. One person will be the "Speaker" and the other(s) will be the "Listener(s)". The Speaker will talk about their chosen topic for 2-3 minutes. The Listener(s) should practice active listening techniques: make eye contact, nod, use verbal affirmations, paraphrase, summarize, and ask clarifying questions without interrupting or judging. After 2-3 minutes, switch roles or choose a new scenario.

Scenario Options:

Scenario 1: The Frustrating Project

Speaker: "Ugh, this group project in history is driving me crazy! My partners aren't pulling their weight, and I feel like I'm doing everything. I'm worried we're going to get a bad grade because of them. I even tried talking to them, but it didn't seem to help much. I just don't know what to do."

Scenario 2: The Weekend Plans Dilemma

Speaker: "My friends can't decide what to do this weekend. Half of them want to go to the football game, and the other half want to go to the movies. I really want to see the new superhero movie, but I also don't want to miss out on the game. Everyone is getting kind of stressed about it, and now I'm stressed too."

Scenario 3: The New Hobby Challenge

Speaker: "I just started trying to learn to play the guitar, and it's way harder than I thought! My fingers hurt, and I can't seem to make the chords sound right. I'm starting to get really discouraged, even though I really want to be able to play. I see other people playing, and it looks so easy for them."

Scenario 4: Dealing with Stress

Speaker: "Lately, I've been feeling really overwhelmed with schoolwork and extracurriculars. It feels like there aren't enough hours in the day, and I'm constantly worried about forgetting something or not doing well enough. I'm having trouble sleeping, and I just feel exhausted all the time."

Reflection (after completing a scenario):

For the Listener(s):

1. What active listening techniques did you use?
2. What was challenging about active listening in this scenario?
3. How did your listening impact the speaker?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

For the Speaker:

1. How did it feel to be actively listened to?
2. Did you feel understood? Why or why not?
3. What did the listener do that made you feel heard (or not heard)?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

My Listening Superpower

Instructions: Reflect on the following questions individually, then be prepared to share your thoughts in a class discussion.

Discussion Prompts:

1. Think about a time someone truly listened to you. How did it make you feel? What did they do that made you feel heard?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. When is it most challenging for you to be an active listener? (e.g., when you're distracted, when you disagree, when you're excited to share your own thoughts, etc.)
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. What are some non-verbal cues (body language, facial expressions) that tell you someone is not actively listening? How do these cues affect you when you are speaking?
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Why do you think it's often difficult for people to defer judgment when listening to others? How can we practice being more open-minded?
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. How might practicing active listening change your relationships with friends, family, or even teachers? Give a specific example.
   
   
   
   
   
   

One New Listening Habit

Instructions: On an index card or a piece of paper, write down one active listening habit you want to practice more consistently starting today. Be specific!

For example:

• "I will put my phone away when a friend is talking to me."
• "I will ask one clarifying question when my teacher gives instructions."
• "I will try not to interrupt during conversations, even if I have something exciting to add."