Art Of ListeningA lot happens during a monologue or dialogue when it comes to listening. Much of it happens almost simultaneously and without any conscious effort. However, this doesn't imply that listening is a passive skill. People can't just kick back and absorb the information. They instead select, edit, and interpret auditory and visual clues to reach the message.

This can prove difficult for ESL EFL students, as there are a number of aspects that get in the way of the message. For example, students must deal with colloquialisms, reduced forms, fillers, and repetition. They must correctly interpret inflection, intonation, and word stress for added meaning and nuance. They must possess background knowledge and vocabulary on the topic, which proves especially true in situations where students listen to business presentations, seminars, and lectures.

Although any or all of the above points may appear in a monologue or dialogue, as a teacher you can add even more challenge. In fact, you should go far beyond playing a CD, getting the class to answer a comprehension question or two, and then moving on to the next step of the lesson. Some or all of the below aspects needed for successful listening may be easily incorporated into any lesson.