Tips for Instruction

1. Understand and follow simple daily instructions, directions and commands from another person.
   • Follow instructions in the correct order.
   • Take simple notes or make a drawing to help remember.
   • Respond to instruction accurately.
2. Reflect on the message and restate main idea to see if the message has been understood.
   • When the speaker is finished, use your own words to rephrase or paraphrase the message.
   • Ask if the paraphrase is correct.
3. Know when and how to ask a question.
   • Wait for a pause to ask a question
   • Know when and how to interrupt.
   • Use question words appropriately (e.g., who, what, when, where, why, how).
4. Demonstrate appropriate listening behaviours for the audience.
   • Show respect for the speaker by using culturally appropriate attending behaviours.
     • Face the person who is speaking,
     • Nod your head to indicate understanding and encouragement
     • Use eye contact, as appropriate. (Eye contact is considered appropriate listening behaviour in Western culture. In some Aboriginal and other cultures, eye contact may be considered disrespectful.)
   • Listen respectfully to the teachings of Aboriginal Elders.
     • Observe how others are listening (e.g., body posture, eye contact, and personal space).
     • Observe how others approach and/or ask questions of an Elder .
     • Ask for teachings and/or help on how to listen appropriately. Be sure to follow the appropriate protocols when asking for teachings from Elders.
   • Listen respectfully to people with disabilities and special needs.
     • Ask the person with a disability or her or his attendant what is helpful and appropriate listening.
     • Listen with your heart as well as with eyes and ears.
     • Allow a person with a disability the time they need to communicate.
5. If you find yourself having a difficult time listening to your friend talk about his feelings, use appropriate body language to show interest in what he is saying. It is often surprising how this can actually help you pay attention more closely.
6. Be aware that the distance you are from the speaker will be different depending to whom you are speaking. Different cultures have different ideas about how close a man and woman are to be. There are also different distances depending on how formal or casual the occasion is. As well, people have personal comfort zones and sometimes do not like others to get too close to them.