Non-directive listening (NDL) for English language facilitators

Mediation, or the negotiation of meaning, is central to translating, editing and communication in general. Not only do translators mediate between the writer (researcher, report writer, etc) and the reader, but often need to do so between the speaker (researcher, report writer, etc) and herself. Today’s knowledge societies demand multi-modal communication competence and authors are often asked to present or talk about what they write. Many times it’s the translators who are asked to take on the role of communication coaches and help the writer to prepare to be a speaker.

The basic principal behind NDL is to allow a speaker to have a listener’s undivided, non-judgmental attention, thus creating an opportunity for organizing, monitoring and adjusting one’s thoughts. Whether it’s a question of unblocking ideas or clarifying and focusing them, NDL is a very practical tool for communication. Its principles can be extended to other situations where understanding is essential, such as framing author queries to send by email and interpreting responses.

This workshop is an expanded version of the short workshop which was offered in the METM 2006 entitled Non-Directive Listening for Translators and Communication Coaches. In this session participants will have the opportunity to practice NDL in realistic situations.

Purpose | Description | Structure | Who should attend? | Outcome skills
Pre-meeting information | About the facilitator
Developers:

Jura Žymantas, jura.zymantas@esade.edu
Facilitator:
 Jura Zymantas
Date:
 24 February 2007
Time:
 10:45-14:00 h
Location
 Hospital de Sant Pau, Departament de Docència-Pavelló Sant Leopold, Carrer Sant Antoni Maria Claret 167, Barcelona.
Fee:
 €20—All participants must be members of MET (annual cost €30) before the workshop or join when registering. MET has special arrangements for admitting members of EASE and EMAME as guests and we are forging relationships with other groups-ask us if yours is included: METworkshops@gmail.com

Purpose

To learn how to become a better listener in order to facilitate communication not only between your client and her audience, but also between you and your client.

Description

We’ll begin by focusing on situations in which listening is important in our professions followed by a look at behaviors which are barriers to listening. The major part of the workshop will consist of participants actually putting NDL into practice. The workshop will end with a discussion of how NDL can enhance not only our work, but perhaps also our personal life.

Structure

Not described.

Who should attend?

Initially, this workshop is for anyone who works in communication, in the broadest sense; ultimately, it’s for anyone who listens and wants to improve this skill.

Outcome skills

Participants will have become aware of behavior which interferes with good listening and will have learned how to listen better.

Pre-meeting information

Not applicable.

About the facilitator

Jura Žymantas divides her time at ESADE (Barcelona) between teaching and working as the International Student Advisor. She teaches English and communication skills to undergraduate business students as well as working professionals. She has also worked as a teacher trainer, accidental translator and interpreter.