Writing Notes from Oral Texts

1. Hearing: The natural ability to receive sound waves or messages. It is involuntary. Example: Hearing noise in the background.

2. Listening: A conscious and intentional effort to hear and understand messages. Listening can be taught and learned, especially for purposes like:

   • Gaining knowledge
   • Following instructions
   • Taking notes

To improve listening, both physical and mental focus are needed:

1. Be physically and mentally alert

   • Sit where you can clearly see and hear the speaker.
   • Bring your attention back when your mind starts to wander.

2. Have the desire to listen

   • Remind yourself that listening is important.
   • Be open and curious about what is being said.

3. Develop willingness

   • Be ready to receive new information.
   • Do not interrupt or ask too many questions while listening.

4. Give the speaker time to speak

   • Avoid misinterpretation by listening until the speaker finishes.

5. Postpone judgment

   • Don't judge the speaker by appearance, language, or style.
   • Focus on the message, not the messenger.

6. Observe non-verbal cues

   • Look at the speaker's body language, facial expressions, and tone.
   • These help emphasize key points.

7. Focus on the speaker's point of view

   • Try to understand their beliefs, emotions (empathy), or tone.

8. Predict and ask questions mentally

   • Guess what might come next.
   • Stay engaged by mentally asking questions about the content.

9. Look like you're listening

   • Sit straight.
   • Avoid crossing your arms or legs.
   • Maintain eye contact.

10. Avoid distractions/barriers

    • Don't sit with talkative friends.
    • Choose a comfortable environment (not too hot/cold or noisy).

A good listener is a good note taker.

Note-Taking Strategies

1. Be brief

   • The speaker may talk fast. Capture only the main ideas.

2. Use abbreviations and symbols

   • ≥ : Greater than
   • ≤ : Less than
   • No. : Number
   • ? : Important point
   • • : Positive idea
   • – : Negative idea

3. Pay attention to signal words These words indicate the structure of the speaker's ideas. They help you identify key points:

(Sign your name here)

Important Notes for Students:

1. This is called depositing money.
2. You use a pay-in-slip to tell the bank how much money you're depositing.
3. Always check the total amount and fill in the correct date and details.
4. Keep your bank receipt after depositing.