Purpose: To demonstrate that listening is more than a passive skill, and that eyes can be as important as ears in perceiving a message.

 Time Required: 5 minutes.

 Size of Group: Unlimited.

 Materials Required: Copies of the American Sign Language (ASL) alphabet for all participants; a presenter who is familiar with ASL.

 The Exercise in Action: At the outset of any class, there’s always some last-minute shuffling around as participants settle into their chairs, pull out pens and notebooks, and so forth. This activity often continues even after the trainer begins the session, with participants assuming they’ll get any valuable information by casually listening.

To demonstrate otherwise, Nina Hollingsworth, a trainer with Mead Coated Board, Phenix City, AL, asks an employee who “speaks” sign language to introduce the course. Each participant is given a copy of the American Sign Language alphabet and asked to record what they pick up. The employee slowly signs the word “welcome.” That, Hollingsworth says, is when all extraneous shuffling stops, as the participants realize they cannot rely on their ears alone to “listen” to the introduction.

After the exercise, Hollingsworth leads participants through a discussion on the value of using all available resources in order to give someone your full attention.