You're Not Listening and Make Noise

Here are a couple of new releases which deal with communication and ways we can all improve:

YOU'RE NOT LISTENING by Kate Murphy is subtitled “What You're Missing and Why It Matters.” Murphy does an excellent job of helping readers to pause and really think about the importance of listening.  She begins by saying, “If people are listening to anything, it’s likely through headphones or earbuds, where they are safe inside their own curated sound bubbles; … the result is a creeping sense of isolation and emptiness.” Murphy’s work is extremely well-researched -- she estimates that she spent close to two years examining academic research and interviewing people -- and that work is reflected in almost forty pages of notes and a helpful index.  This is a critical book to read and reflect upon.  Murphy, a journalist, points out that research shows “who we listen to shapes how we think and react … the resulting understanding and connection influences how we process subsequent information.” She devotes an entire chapter to listening to opposing views and “why it feels like being chased by a bear.” Other chapters deal with conversational sensitivity, listening to yourself, and the growing addiction to distraction. Our Psych students will find much to explore here, including her discussion of different attachment styles (with continuums from secure to insecure and anxious to avoidant). Look for this book on our shelves soon.

MAKE NOISE by Eric Nuzum is subtitled “A Creator's Guide to Podcasting and Great Audio Storytelling.”  In his introduction Nuzum notes that “many podcasts, or ideas for future podcasts, or really all forms of storytelling, could be much better than they are. That’s why I wrote this book. I wrote it to make your work better.”  I think that Nuzum has succeeded in providing a conversational and practical guide to improving podcasts.  Students (and teachers) would benefit from some time with his text which begins with a chapter titled “Story. Character. Voice.” and then explores concerns like “echo” bookings and offers suggestions for more compelling stories, engaging characters, and unique voices.  Subsequent chapters deal with topics such as asking questions and how to tell a story as well as audience appeal. This very accessible text would be a useful guide for speech and media students especially.  

ADDED RESOURCE: Five Apps Students Can Use to Make Podcasts from NPR (via KQED)