6. Keeping the listener interested

What is the secret of being an interesting speaker? When you speak English, how can you make sure that the person you are speaking to really wants to listen? Here is Richard Hallows, talking about a speech made by Kofi Anan, Secretary General of the United Nations.

He is a really effective speaker of English. He really knows how to involve the listener, to make us want to listen through the language he chooses. For example, he avoids using the same words all the time. Sometimes he uses alternative words – so, for example, in one sentence he says ‘human beings’ and in the next ‘humanity’. And he interacts with the listener, asking us all to do something. So he says ‘Try to imagine what life is like…’, and we all start to think. All of this helps to involve the listener – to make us want to listen.

Question a) What are the two techniques which Richard mentions for keeping the listener involved?
Question b) Think about someone who you enjoy listening to. How do they keep you involved as a listener?

Answer

• Try to avoid using the same words all the time.
• Ask your listener to do something.

When we are learning to speak a new language, we often focus on the accuracy of what we are saying.We think about what we are saying, making sure we choose words and grammar to express our ideas precisely. However, as a speaker, it’s also important to think about how your listener feels. If what you say is dull, or if the listener does not have a chance to become involved, then she or he may stop listening.

So how can you make sure that you can keep your listener’s attention?

Vary your vocabulary As Richard says, effective speakers usually use a variety of words for the same idea.When speaking English, it’s important to avoid repeating the same words too often – this can make what you say sound very boring.To help you vary your vocabulary, try to make space in your vocabulary notebook for ‘synonyms’ – that is, words which have the same meaning.

Plan what you want to say If you are a member of an English club or Learning Circle where you have regular discussions in English, or if you have business meetings or academic study in English, it’s important to think about the topics you are going to discuss before the discussions begin. Simply take a few minutes to remind yourself of all the words you know about this topic – you could brainstorm vocabulary with a colleague or other club members. Then, when the discussion starts, you will have a stock of words ready to use.

Involve your listeners As Richard says, the most effective speakers find ways to keep their listeners involved. The easiest way to do this is to ask questions – don’t worry, the listeners don’t actually need to answer. But questions such as ‘Have you thought of…?’,‘Do you know about…?’ asked before you tell your story will get the listeners to think about the topic, and to be more interested in what you have to say.

Task Keeping the listener involved

Listen to your favourite BBC World Service Programme. If possible, record the programme.

The first time you listen, take notice of all the things which the presenter says to keep you, the listener, interested. How many questions does he or she use? Are there any phrases she or he uses more than once?

The second time you listen, note down all the alternative words which are used to express a main idea. For example, if you are listening to a programme about ‘education’, you might listen for all the words used to describe ‘students’.