Part 3: Listening for Information
Part 3 presents a conversation in which one person seeks information the other knows. It has approximately 6 questions and 6 minutes; the recording usually lasts 2 to 2.5 minutes.
Work through each lesson and mark the module complete when you finish practising.
4.1 Recognize the roles
Identify who asks questions and who provides information. It may be a customer and a salesperson, a newcomer and an experienced person, or someone asking about a service.
Separate:
| Person asking | Person providing information |
|---|---|
| Needs and preferences | Options and conditions |
| Questions | Answers |
| Decision | Recommendations |
Do not automatically label someone an “expert”. The important thing is to attribute each fact correctly.
4.2 Listen for conditions and exceptions
Pay particular attention to:
- if, unless, only if
- before, after, by
- at least, no more than
- included, additional
- Changes between a general rule and an exception.
An option may repeat the correct figure but attach it to the wrong condition. Keep information together with its function:
basic plan: $40 / weekdays only premium: $55 / weekends included
Mini-test
Attribute the information
Audio: Listen to the consultation.
What instruction did the veterinarian give?
4.3 Applied practice
Using a two-minute consultation, divide your notes by speaker and circle each condition. Then check:
- Who needed the information?
- What options were offered?
- Which condition changed the recommendation?
- What decision was finally made?
Go further: Create an incorrect option that retains a real fact but attributes it to the wrong person or condition. This trains your ability to recognize distractors.
Organize the information
Practise a consultation with conditions and decisions.