In three lively and participative 1-hour sessions, come explore how we can use listening as a vehicle for bonding, understanding and healing. Learn “roadblocks” to avoid. Explore a better alternative: Deep Active Listening.
Craft effective and helpful responses to problem messages from people you care about.
3 sessions after church: 4/27, 5/4 and 5/11 – Conf Rm 301
Facilitator: Alex Smith
Detailed Course Interview:
Deep Listening as an Act of Grace
2025 Active Listening Workshop
for First United Methodist Church, Seattle
Logistics:
– 3 sessions in the church conference room – 1 hour each session
– Lunch available
Focus: Active Listening as vehicle for bonding, understanding and healing.
Learn the power of Deep Active Listening – Why, What and How.
Emphasis will be on “How-to” skills for communication:
-Unlearning common “roadblocks” to communication
o Typical responses to problem messages
o Why these generally fall short
– Building trust vs. interrogating
-Focusing on the person, not on providing them “solutions”
-Crafting alternative responses, such as:
o Using “Door-openers” to encourage sharing
o Uncovering, reflecting and honoring feelings
Sessions will include:
-Recognizing situations which call for Active Listening:
-Roadblocks: why “typical” responses often fail or underperform
– Decoding problem messages: a communication model
– Introduction to a better alternative: Deep Active Listening
– Skill development with role-play
– Take-home questions and exercises
Facilitator: Alexander Smith, MA, Human Behavior
Alex is a longtime member of Seattle’s First United Methodist Church, father of 3, former instructor of Psychology with Chapman University, and corporate Training and Development manager and consultant.