A mode of monitoring how we are listening so as to maximize our accurate understanding of what another person is saying is critical listening. By understanding the logic of human communication – that everything spoken expresses point of view, uses some ideas and not others, has implications, etc. – critical thinkers can listen so as to enter sympathetically and analytically into the perspective of others.
The critical listener will:
The critical reader will approach reading passages as a whole, instead of one word or phrase at a time. The critical reader will examine the table of contents or chapter outlines. The critical reader will preview his/her reading first, by skimming the reading assignment and taking note of section headings, illustrations, and diagrams. He/she will read the introductory paragraphs and the concluding paragraphs or the chapter summary. The critical reader will approach his/her reading like a problem solver:
Critical speaking is critical thinking applied to public speaking. We do not hear many examples of clear, logical, accurate spoken communication. Oral communication is usually more spontaneous and must be carefully presented because, unless recorded, it is present only for the moment. Preparing the content carefully to attract and hold the interest and attention of the audience is necessary.
The critical speaker will:
The critical writer will:
The information for handout was adapted or excerpted from the following:
http://www.criticalthinking.org/aboutCT/define_critical_thinking.cfm
http://www.criticalthinking.org/articles/becoming-a-critic.cfm
Elder, L. and Paul, R. (2004). Adapted from The Thinker’s Guide to the Art of Strategic Thinking: 25 Weeks to Better Thinking and Better Living.