Listening Exercises

Topic – 1

LISTENING EXERCISES

Listening Activity - 1 

Listen to the Instructor reads out the presentation below and answer the questions.

A SPEAKER TELLING YOU ABOUT HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN A GROUP DISCUSSION

In order to succeed at any unstructured group discussion, you must define what your objective in the group is. A good definition of your objective is – to be seen to have contributed meaningfully in an attempt to achieve the right consensus. The key words in this definition are 'seen, ‘meaningfully, and attempt’.

Let us understand what each of these imply in terms of action points:

The first implication is that merely making a meaningful contribution in an attempt to achieve consensus is not enough. You have to be seen by the evaluator to have made a meaningful contribution in an attempt to build the right consensus. In other words, you must ensure that you are heard by the group. If the group hears you so will the evaluator. You must get at least some airtime. If you are not a very assertive person you will have to simply learn to be assertive for those 15 minutes.

The second important implication is that making just any sort of contribution is not enough. Your contribution has to be meaningful. A meaningful contribution suggests that you have a good knowledge base, are able to structure arguments logically and are a good communicator. These are qualities that are desired by all evaluators.

One way of deciding what sort of contribution is meaningful at what point of time is to follow two simple rules.

First, in times of chaos, a person who restores order to the group is appreciated. Your level of participation in a fish market kind of scenario can be low, but your degree of influence must never be low. In other words, you must make positive contributions every time you speak, and not merely speak for the sake of speaking. The second rule is applicable when the group is floundering. In this situation a person who provides a fresh direction to the group is given credit.

The third implication is that you must be clearly seen to be attempting to build a consensus. Nobody expects a group of ten people, all with different points of view on a controversial subject to actually achieve a consensus. But did you make the attempt to build a consensus? The reason why an attempt to build a consensus is important is because in most work situations you will have to work with people in a team, accept joint responsibilities and take decisions as a group. You must demonstrate the fact that you are capable and inclined to work as part of a team. What are the ways that you can try to build consensus?

Firstly, you don't just talk. You also listen. You must realize that other people also may have valid points to make. You should not only try to persuade other people to your point of view, but also come across as a person who has an open mind and appreciates the valid points of others.

You must try and resolve contradictions and arguments of others in the group. You must synthesize arguments and try and achieve a unified position in the group. Try and summarize the discussion at the end. In the summary do not merely restate your point of view; also accommodate dissenting viewpoints. If the group did not reach a consensus, say so in your summary. You must carry people with you.

One last point. You must not agree with another participant in the group merely for the sake of achieving consensus. If you disagree, say so. You are not there to attempt to build just any consensus. You have to attempt to build the right consensus. 

1. On the basis of what the speaker says, state whether the following statements are True or False;

Listening Activity - 2 

Listen to the Instructor reads out the presentation below and answer the questions.

BODY LANGUAGE AND THE ART OF LISTENING THROUGH ONE'S EYES: MAGIC OF MOVEMENTS

It's no myth that those who understand body language better excel in their workplace and in their social circle because they know when to make the right moves. Managers, salespersons, teachers and many more use it in their everyday life to their advantage.

The way we speak and what we speak forms a very small portion of our dialogue. The majority of the conversation can be understood through a person's body language. An experienced salesperson always looks into the eyes of his customer to see his pupils. If the pupils are dilated then it means that the customer is interested in the product and that it is the right time to strike.

During a meeting or training program or a presentation you can very easily make out if a person is listening to you or not. If the left hand is kept on right hand and the palms facing down then it's a clear cut signal that the listener is interested in whatever you are saying. On the other hand, if the right one covers the left one it's a signal of disagreement or that the listener wants to raise a point opposing yours. If a person is sitting with his arms and legs crossed and gazing continuously at you without flickering his eyes then it means that the person is not interested in what you are talking about. If a listener nods his head then it means that he is interested and is encouraging you. On the other hand, if he nods his head rapidly then it means that he wants you to finish quickly. If the listener narrows his eyes occasionally or strokes his chin or pulls his beard gently then it's sign of evaluation and that the listener is about to make a decision.

However, all said and done, one must be wise enough to read the overall signals and not come to any conclusion based on just any one gesture. It is the art of understanding the unspoken words that has given an edge to those who have excelled in their respective professions merely over others who believed the word of mouth.

1. Complete these sentences:

2. Match the gestures in A with what they indicate in B.

Listening Activity - 3 

Listen to your instructor reading out the tape script of an interview in which a Presentation Expert is being asked questions on Presentation Skills and answer the questions given below:

Interviewer : Good Morning Mr.Bala. 

Mr.Bala : A very good morning to you. 

Interviewer : First of all I'd like to begin by asking you how one should begin preparing for a presentation? 

Mr. Bala : You must focus your presentation by determining its purpose and the audience to whom you will present it. You must then find and gather the facts that will support your point of view and proposal. Finally, you need to organize the information logically. 

Interviewer : How should one organize a presentation? 

Mr. Bala : Your presentation should have a clear, coherent structure and cover the points you wish to make in a logical order. Most presentations start with a brief introduction and end with a brief conclusion. Use the introduction to welcome the audience, introduce the subject, and outline the structure of your talk. Use the conclusion to summarise the main points of your presentation, thank the audience for their attention and invite questions. 

Interviewer : When should one use visual aids?

Mr.Bala : If you have a lot of information to explain, don't hesitate to use visual aids. Think about using some charts, diagrams, graphs, etc., on PowerPoint, an overhead projector or flipchart. 

Interviewer : Is there any other advice you can give on preparation? 

Mr.Bala : Yes. Practise your presentation. By practicing you will be able to identify the weak points and to check the timing. Rehearsal will give you more confidence.

Interviewer : A very common problem with most presenters is nerves. How can we overcome this?

Mr.Bala : You will be probably nervous at the beginning of your presentation. Try not to speak too fast at the beginning. It has two advantages; you can calm down and strike a good rapport with the audience. The first impression is very important. 

Interviewer : And what about body language? 

Mr.Bala : Try to avoid mannerisms, but eye contact and gestures are indispensable. 

Interviewer : And lastly, how does one deal with a difficult audience? 

Mr.Bala : Be ready to deal with any question, even with hostile ones, without losing your cool. Polite, diplomatic answers are a good tactic. 

Interviewer : Mr.Bala, thank you very much for these valuable tips on presentations. 

Mr.Bala : You are most welcome.

1. Complete the following statements:

1. Once we have determined the purpose of the presentation we must ______.

2. We must find out ______ that will support our opinions.

3. The structure of the presentation must be ______ and ______ and the order of the points must be ______.

4. At the end of the presentation we must be ______.

5. Use visual aids when you ______. 

6. Two advantages of practice are :  ______.

7. You can deal with nerves by ______.

8. We should guard against using ______.

9. Deal with the audience by _______ .

10. The meaning of hostile is ______.

Listening Activity - 4 

Listen to your instructor reading out the tape script of a Telephone Conversation and answer the questions given below:

Receptionist : Sunshine Health Centre. Can I help you?

Secretary: Oh, good morning. I am calling from Exhale Studio. I'd like to make an appointment for Mr.Jatin Shakar today or tomorrow. He needs to have his blood sugar checked up.

Receptionist : Er, who's er, Mr.Shankar's doctor?

Secretary : Oh. It's Dr.Rahman, Dr.Sahida Rahman.

Receptionist: Dr.Rahman. Let me check. I'm afraid; Dr.Rahman won't be in either today or tomorrow. She has gone for a conference. Erm and we are heavily booked today and tomorrow.

Secretary: Oh dear. Well it is rather urgent because he's got to go for a shoot on Saturday and he will be away for almost a month. Erm, could he possibly see someone on Friday?

Receptionist : Well, let me see, ah, you are lucky. Dr.Shyam Reddy has two appointments available. There's one at 8.30 a.m. and there's one at 2.45 p.m.

Secretary: Oh, the 8.30 appointment would be fine.

Receptionist : 8.30. Oh, he must come on an empty stomach. Let him also bring his previous records.

Secretary : How much would that cost? 

Receptionist : That would be Rs. 1,000. 

Secretary : Thank you. I'll remind him about the fasting. 

Receptionist: Right. That's important.

Secretary : Yes, thank you very much for your trouble. Good bye. 

Receptionist: Good bye.

Now answer these questions:

1. Do the secretary and the receptionist work in the same office? Pick the line which shows this.

2. What does Mr. Jatin Shakar want to do at the Sunshine Health Centre?

3. Is there any urgency to get the test done? Why/ Why not?

4. Would Mr.Jatin Shankar's doctor be conducting the test? Why/ Why not?

5. Could his secretary get an appointment before he left for his shoot?

6. Do you think Mr.Shankar is a very busy person? Pick the lines which show this.

7. Do you think Sunshine Health Centre is a popular centre? Illustrate your answer.

8. Do you think the secretary was doing her job seriously? How can you tell?

9. Do you think the receptionist was good at her job? How can you tell?

Listening Activity - 5 

Listen to your instructor reading out the tape script of a Telephone Conversation and answer the questions given below:

Rita : Hello.

Salim : Hi, Rita. Look I'm sorry to bother you before your meeting takes place. I just wanted to ask a little favour. 

Rita : Don't worry; I have finished much of the preparation for the meeting. I'll be glad to help you out 

Salim : Look, I erm, I've to leave town this weekend. 

Rita : I hope it is nothing serious. 

Salim : No, it is the other way round. I have won a prize in the Geoffrey Advertisements Contest and I have to go to Bangalore to receive the prize.

Rita : Oh, how wonderful! Oh I wish I could go to Bangalore on a holiday. And what's the prize?

Salim : It is certificate and Rs. 50,000 in cash. 

Rita : That is indeed great. Now what's your problem? 

Salim : Mr.Rashid says that he can relieve me only if someone can stand in for me while I'm away. You know they have this important meeting coming up next week. Can I suggest your name? 

Rita : Well, I can stand in for you but what about my work here? 

Salim : I can ask Mr.Rashid to request Ms.Ritu to post Supreet Singh to assist you. I know this means extra work for you but I didn't know who else to ask. 

Rita : What would I have to do? 

Salim : You need to send some reminders and confirm who all are coming for the meeting. The new concept that I have worked on needs to be sent to the Arts department for the illustrations. The agenda papers have to be got ready. I have given them to Rafiq for typing. And, erm, a few more things that Mr.Rashid might ask you. 

Rita : This sounds like a lot of work but I guess I'll be able to do it if Supreet can assist me here. You may suggest my name but be sure that I get someone to assist me. And, remember, I want a nice gift from Bangalore. 

Salim : Yes, of course, Rita. 

Rita : Just pulling your leg. Now get cracking on your travel plans. Bye.

Salim : Thank you so much Rita. You are an angel. 

1. Choose the alternative which seems to you the most likely.

Listening Activity-6 (Product Description)

A product description is the marketing copy that explains what a product is and why it's worth purchasing. The purpose of a product description is to supply customers with details around the features and benefits of the product so they're compelled to buy.

Listen carefully to the instructor reads out the five products descriptions and fill in details in the following table as you listen.

Product Description - 1

Preethi Powermatic Plus 900 Watts Juicer Mixer Grinder

M.R.P.: 6,057.00

Price: 4,795.00

FREE Delivery

You Save: 1,262.00 (21%) (Inclusive of all taxes)

Delivery Details: 10 Days, Replacement Amazon Delivered, In stock.

Sold by Imagination India (5.0 out of 5 | 8 ratings) and Fulfilled by Amazon.

✓ Centrifugal Juicer

✓ 1 Year Warranty

✓ Most powerful 900 watts motor with double ball bearings for efficiency, low maintenance and trouble free running for years

✔Juicer with unique honeycomb filter mesh for finer juice with higher yield

✓ 22000 rpm operation- retains original flavor and aroma of juices and food

✓ 90 mins. continuous running- suitable for longer usage

✓ Transparent and unbreakable mixer jar

✓ High strength stainless steel blade that cut finer and faster

✓ Low maintenance, trouble free running

✓ Totally shock-proof and safe

Product Description - 2

KENT Grand 8-Litres Wall-Mountable RO + UV/UF + TDS Water Purifier

M.R.P.: 19,000.00

Price: 14,799.00

Deal Price : 13,999.00

Free Delivery.

You Save: 5,001.00 (26%) (Inclusive of all taxes)

Delivery Details: 10 Days, Returnable Amazon Delivered, 1 Year Warranty

Sold by Cloudtail India (4.6 out of 5 |73,122 ratings) and Fulfilled by Amazon. 

✓ Color: White

✓ Installation:Free installation is provided on this product by the manufacturer. For requesting an installation/demo for this product once delivered, please call the manufacturer's customer support directly at 9278912345

✓ Type: Electric with storage; Power Consumption- 60W ; Booster Pump Voltage- 24 V DC ; Mains Voltage- 100 - 300 V~ AC / 50 Hz, 800mA

✓ 1 Year Warranty + 3 Years No Service Charge

✓ Technology: RO+UV +UF+ TDS Mineralizer water purification

✓ Storage Capacity: 8 Litres

✓ Includes: Water Purifier, Installation kit and User manual

✓ Type of Tank: food grade plastic 

✓ Easy Returns: This product is eligible for full refund within 10 days of delivery in case of any product defects, damage or features not matching the description provided

✓ Purification Capacity: 15 Litres Per Hour

Product Description - 3 

IFB 25 L Convection Microwave Oven (25BCS1, Black)

M.R.P.: 15,690.00

Price: 14,700.00

Free Delivery You Save: 990.00 (6%) (Inclusive of all taxes)

Delivery Details: 10 Days, Returnable Amazon Delivered , 1 Year Warranty

In stock

Sold by 264 (4.1 out of 5 | 23 ratings) and Fulfilled by Amazon. 

✓ 25L Capacity: Suitable for families with 3-4 members

✓ Convection: Can be used for baking along with grilling, reheating, defrosting and cooking 

✓ Warranty: 1 year on machine; 3 years on magnetron and cavity 

✓ Brand does NOT provide starter kit with this product

✓ Cavity is stainless steel and power level is 5

✓ Other Features: LCD display, temperature setting, weight defrost, steam clean, multi-stage cooking, quick start, auto reheat, deodorise, keep warm, power save, more or less option, yoghurt, fermentation, disinfectant and heat selector option

✓ Cavity is stainless steel and power level is 5

✓ Safety - sensor malfunction protection, overheating protection and child safety lock

✓ Standard menus - 71

✓ Standard menus - 71

✓ Temperature levels - 10 (110 ~200)

Product Description - 4

Voltas 1.4 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC (Copper, 173V JZJ (R32), White)

M.R.P.: 53,990.00

Price: 31,999.00

Free Delivery

You Save: 21,991.00 (41%) (Inclusive of all taxes)

Delivery Details: 3-5 Business Days, Returnable Amazon Delivered, 1 Year Warranty In stock. 

Sold by Cloudtail India (4.6 out of 5 |73,122 ratings) and Fulfilled by Amazon. 

✓ Split AC with inverter compressor: Variable speed compressor which adjusts power depending on heat load. It is most energy efficient and has lowest-noise operation

✓ Capacity: 1.4 Ton. Suitable for medium sized rooms (111 to 150 sq ft)

✓ Energy Rating: 3 Star. Annual Energy Consumption: 1008.2 units. ISEER Value: 3.8 (Please refer energy label on product page or contact brand for more details)

✓ Manufacturer Warranty: 1 year on product, 1 year on condenser, 5 years on compressor 

✓ Copper Condenser Coil: Better cooling and requires low maintenance

✓ Special Features: Antibacterial_Filter;Dust_Filter

✓ Refrigerant gas: R32

✓ Included in the box: Indoor Unit, Outdoor Unit, Remote Control, User manual, Warranty Card, Connecting Pipes.

Product Description - 5

Sony Bravia 80 cm (32 Inches) Full HD LED Smart TV KLV-32W672F (Black) (2018 model)

M.R.P.: 39,900.00

Price: 29,990.00

Free Delivery 

You Save: 9,910.00 (25%) (Inclusive of all taxes) 

Delivery Details: 3-5 Days, Returnable Amazon Delivered , 1 Year Warranty In stock

Sold by Cloudtail India (4.6 out of 5 73,209 ratings) and Fulfilled by Amazon. 

✓ Resolution : Full HD (1920x1080p) | Refresh Rate: 50 Hertz

✓ Display: X-Reality Pro | HDR 

✓ Smart TV Features: Built-in WiFi | Linux Based OS | Youtube Direct | Opera Store| Netflix

✓ Connectivity: 2 HDMI ports to connect set top box, Blu Ray players, gaming consoles 2 USB ports to connect hard drives and other USB devices and Sound : 30 Watts Output Clear Audio+ | Built-in Woofer

✓ Power Requirements (voltage/frequency): AC 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz, DC 19.5 V

✓ Installation: For installation/wall mounting/demo of this product once delivered, directly contact Sony at 18001037799 and provide product's model name and seller's details mentioned on your invoice. The service center will allot you a convenient slot for the service

✓ Warranty: 1 year standard manufacturer warranty from Sony + 1 year warranty on the panel only

✓ Additional Information: X-Protection Pro | Table Top Stand | Multi Indian Languages

✓ Easy returns: This product is eligible for replacement/refund within 10 days of delivery in case of any product defects, damage or features not matching the description provided.