Can I just make a note ...?
Featured in the Listening Skills training manual
By Jessica Madge
Category: Communication Skills
Credit price: 3 download credits (Single user)
In many situations, the need to listen well and the need to take notes compete with each other. Although by listening well we can reduce the need to take notes during a conversation, it is sometimes essential to keep a record. This is either because of the quantity and critical nature of the information being conveyed, or because there is a procedural or legal requirement to keep a record. However, it is impossible to make comprehensive notes while simultaneously concentrating on listening and building rapport. In this training activity the decision about whether or not to take notes is explored, and tactics and techniques for handling note-taking are practised.
You begin this training activity with a discussion of the competing needs – to take notes and to listen. Participants complete a pencil-and-paper exercise, and discuss situations where note-taking is essential. Next, they work in small groups to list the dos and don’t of trying to listen and take notes at the same time. Participants then take part in a role-play exercise, giving them an opportunity to practise staying in control and taking notes in a situation where they also need to listen effectively.
Who is it for: This training activity is intended for use by trainers to help participants understand and practise tactics and techniques for taking notes without compromising the quality of listening.
| Resource Type: | Activity |
| Min Group Size: | 4 |
| Max Group Size: | 20 |
| Typical Duration: | 02:35:00 |
| No of Pages: | 19 |
Resources: View standard resources for Fenman training activities
Additional resources: Clipboards for participants (optional).
Purpose: This training activity would ideally build on work on topics such as questioning, reflecting and building rapport. It could be incorporated into training courses such as negotiating, dealing with complaints, discipline, running meetings, appraisal and interviewing.
Download the training activity, Can I just make a note ...? as featured in the Fenman training manual; Listening Skills