Imagine you're having a conversation with someone. How can you tell that the other person is interested? What does the other person say or do (i.e., body language, verbal cues, phrases, etc.)?
I ask because part of my project involves designing activities that teach kids conversational behaviors, and I'm wondering if there are any examples I'm missing.
The other person would questions about what I say and not interrupt while I'm talking. The other person would also follow my line of the conversation rather than changing the subject.
ReplyDeleteIf you look at the Malcolm Gladwell book "The Tipping Point, he talks about things like this. He describes scientific phenomena in a "pop" kind of way, but he does (I think) provide the sources. One of the things he describes (I think this is what I remember) is that when people are listening (or making a connection) they imitate the person they are listening to (such as nodding at the same time, making the same gestures, etc.). Is that the kind of thing you are looking for?
ReplyDeleteYeah, just what I'm looking for. Thanks.
DeleteEye contact, not shifting weight as if wiggling out of the conversation,making sounds of acknowledgement. There is also research about mirroring body movements of the speaker, almost like a dance which shows engagement.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteEye contact, not shifting weight as if wiggling out of the conversation,making sounds of acknowledgement. There is also research about mirroring body movements of the speaker, almost like a dance which shows engagement.
ReplyDeleteFor really young kids, sitting (more) still than usual and more time looking at, or near, the face of the speakers. Since young children are in a constant state of movement and looking around, actual "eye contact" may not be measurable. But the amount of time looking *towards* the speaker is a good gauge of interest.
ReplyDeleteThere is also what I would call the "Oh, wow!" face on the listener. If they hear something unexpected, exciting, or of particular interest, the mouth makes an "O" and the eyes widen to "Wow".