Speaking and Listening Skills

Welcome to Your Communication Journey!

Hello there! Today, we are diving into one of the most important skills you will ever learn: Speaking and Listening. Think about it—every day, you use these skills to talk to friends, ask for help in class, or explain your favorite movie to your family. In the IB MYP Year 1, we learn how to do this even better so that people understand us clearly and we understand them too!

Don't worry if you feel a bit shy or nervous about speaking in front of others. Most people do! These notes will give you simple "tools" to help you become a communication pro.

Section 1: The Art of Active Listening

Did you know that listening is not the same as hearing? Hearing is just your ears catching sounds. Active Listening is when you use your brain to really understand what the other person is saying.

How to be an Active Listener

To help you remember how to listen well, just remember the word L.I.S.T.E.N.:

L – Look at the person speaking. (Eye contact shows you care!)
I – Imagine what they are feeling. (This is called empathy.)
S – Stay still. (Try not to fidget with your pen or phone.)
T – Take turns. (Wait for them to finish before you start talking.)
E – Exhibit interest. (Nod your head or say "I see" or "Aha.")
N – Notice their body language. (Are they smiling? Do they look sad?)

Why is this important?

Imagine trying to throw a ball to a friend who isn't looking. They’ll probably drop it! Communication is the same. If you aren't "active," you’ll drop the "message" they are trying to send you.

Quick Review: Listening Check

• Eye contact: Shows you are paying attention.
• Clarifying: If you don't understand, ask a question like, "Do you mean...?"
• Common Mistake: Thinking about what you want to say next instead of listening to what is being said right now.

Key Takeaway: Active listening makes the other person feel respected and helps you learn faster!

Section 2: Mastering Your Speaking Voice

When we speak, it isn't just about what we say; it's about how we say it. Think of your voice like a musical instrument. You can change how it sounds to make your message more interesting.

The Three "T's" of Speaking

1. Tone: This is the "mood" of your voice. If you say "Oh, great" with a smile, you sound happy. If you say "Oh, great" while rolling your eyes, you sound sarcastic. Tone tells the listener how you feel.

2. Tempo (Pace): This is how fast or slow you talk. If you talk too fast, people might get confused. If you talk too slow, they might get bored.
Tip: Slow down when you are saying something very important!

3. Tally (Volume): This is how loud or soft you are. You don't need to shout, but you need to project your voice so the person at the back of the room can hear you.

Using "The Pause"

Don't be afraid of silence! Taking a short breath or pausing after a big idea gives your audience time to think about what you just said. It's like the "period" at the end of a sentence in a book.

Memory Aid: The Volume Knob

Imagine you have a volume knob on your chest. In a small group, keep it at a 3. When giving a presentation to the class, turn it up to a 7! Keep it at a 0 when someone else is talking.

Key Takeaway: Clear speaking uses a steady pace, a friendly tone, and enough volume for everyone to hear.

Section 3: Body Language (The Silent Language)

Did you know? Research shows that more than half of our communication comes from our body language, not our words!

What to do with your body:

• Posture: Stand or sit up straight. It makes you look (and feel!) more confident.
• Gestures: Use your hands to emphasize points. For example, if you are talking about something "huge," move your hands apart.
• Facial Expressions: Your face should match your words. If you are telling a funny story, it's okay to smile!

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• The "Fidget": Playing with your hair or clothes can distract your audience.
• The "Statue": Standing perfectly still and stiff can make you look nervous. Try to stay relaxed.
• Looking at the Floor: If you look at your feet, your voice goes toward the floor too! Keep your chin up.

Key Takeaway: Your body should "agree" with your words. If you say you're excited but look at the floor, people won't believe you!

Section 4: Group Discussions and Interactions

In your MYP English class, you will often work in groups. This is a great chance to practice your skills together.

The "Golden Rules" of Group Talk

1. Build Bridges: Instead of just saying your idea, try to connect it to someone else's. Say, "I agree with Sarah, and I also think..."
2. Invite Others: If someone is being quiet, ask them, "What do you think about this?"
3. Disagree Politely: It's okay to have different ideas! Instead of saying "You're wrong," try "I see your point, but I have a different perspective."

Quick Review: Discussion Moves

• Encouraging: "That's a great point!"
• Questioning: "Can you explain that a bit more?"
• Summarizing: "So, are we saying that the main character was brave?"

Key Takeaway: A good discussion is like a game of catch, not a race. Everyone should get a chance to hold the ball!

Final Summary: You’ve Got This!

Speaking and listening might feel tricky at first, especially if you are nervous. Just remember: practice makes progress. Every time you listen carefully to a friend or stand up to speak in class, you are getting stronger.

Top 3 Tips to Remember:
1. Active Listening is about more than just ears; it’s about focus.
2. Voice Control (Volume, Pace, Tone) helps you be understood.
3. Body Language speaks louder than words!