Question

For dialogue to be effective, communicators need to be able to look beyond their own assumptions, beliefs, agendas, and perceptions. Dialogue theorists W.B. Pearce and David Bohm discuss this in terms of moving from being governed by assumptions into self-reflection and then inquiry about others (changing from narrative to dialogue). Reflecting on these elements of dialogue, explain why inquiry and active listening is essential. Then provide an example of a situation where you should have asked more questions but instead assumed. For future dialogues, how will you engage the discussion? How can you show the person speaking that we are actively engaged? Discuss two ways that you can confirm the message of a dialogue partner. How does confirming the message improve dialogue?

Answer 1

Inquiry and active listening is important to make a communication effective and valuable.

Active listening is a conscious activity which a person have to listen attentively to the speaker.

Always see in the eyes of speaker to know what has been told by him and this will be very beneficial for both the person the speaker and the listener.

The listener have to be very patient and careful while the communication process continues.

A good listener is a good speaker also and good problem solver because the listener is very attentive and he knows each and every point if there is any conflict.

Inquiry and questioning while communicating is a very important by which the speaker can know that the audience is attentive and putting the questions.

While communicating the inquiry is important and asking maximum and related questions can provide the solutions or correct answers.

While answering any question a person must ask a question to get the answer its a very good process to answer.

I have attended a saminar where I have so many questions to ask related to the subject but I have just assumed the questions and not able to ask at point of time. For future I will ask the organisers to have a question and answer sention for the seminar so that every one understands and the objective of seminar get accomplished.

By asking the topic related questions by the speaker and seating quietly and seeing in the speaker eyes.

Two ways that confirms the message to the dialogue partner is that take feedback from your listener and ask if they have any problem they can ask which will be clarified. Understand your audience and listener if they have understood or not.

Confirming the messages improve dialogues because the listeners will put their queries which will help you to rectify the issue in the message or way of communication.