Faith Curriculum Library: Curricula and Resources for Co-creating Lifespan Faith Engagement

Workshop 5: Active Listening

Web of Youth Ministry Component: Pastoral Care

This session describes why listening is an important aspect of leadership and provides practical skills for active listening. Download Workshop 5 (PDF) (Word).

Goals

This session will:

  • Give participants the opportunity to practice listening to and synthesizing information
  • Explain non-verbal communication, how to paraphrase and ask probing questions
  • Help participants practice giving and listening to directions

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

  • Experience being truly listened to and identify key aspects of active listening.
  • Learn to understand how our body language affects how we are heard and how we listen
  • Practice paraphrasing to communicate they are truly listening
  • Learn ways to ask questions to get more information helpful for their leadership

Workshop-at-a-Glance

ACTIVITYMINUTESDESCRIPTION
Opening10Check in and Chalice Lighting.
Activity 1: Listening Practice10Participants experience being listened to and identify aspects of active listening.
Activity 2: Non-Verbal Communication15Participants understand how our body language affects how we are heard and how we listen.
Activity 3: Paraphrasing and Asking Probing Questions20Participants learn ways of communicating and asking questions helpful for their leadership.
Closing5Guided meditation.
Alternative Activity 1: Back to Back Listening10Participants practice providing clear directions for others to complete a task.
Alternative Activity 2: Mirroring15Participants practice communicating non-verbally and mirroring movements and facial expressions.