Workshops
Ask about the Fall ‘22 Workshop, sign-up coming soon!
“The Art of Listening: Listening from the Inside Out” is a 4 week, 8-hour course which meets once a week for 2 hours, in person or on Zoom. Workshop variations available, scroll down for more information. It is a highly participatory, active, fun, and thought-provoking workshop that will teach you:
• How to focus and be present while another is talking• How to address listening habits that block effective communication• How to learn ways to validate, understand, and connect with others• How to ask questions that help the other more deeply express themselves• The value of silence in conversation
The skills taught in this workshop will help each of us to help others—not by letting us fix their problems, but by returning them to their own wisdom and encouraging them to help themselves.
In addition to weekly workshop sessions, participants are paired with a practice partner and given exercises to practice between classes, as well as exercises to practice on their own, to continue deepening their listening practice and awareness. There is usually a reading or journal prompt to prepare for the next workshop class.
A PDF of Companion Notes, which share theory and put the workshop in writing is sent to participants one week prior to the beginning of the workshop. Workshop format is based on best practices in education.
Variations on the 4-Week Workshop Theme
• Basics
Costs for any variation of offering on listening are based on a $150/hour fee, which includes preparation and teaching time. Preparation generally includes getting to know the needs and background of your group or situation so the teaching is tailored to you.
• Workshops for your Group
Want to organize an “Art of Listening” Workshop for your group of up to 50 participants? Purchase the full 4-week workshop with companion notes for the discounted rate of $4,000. Contact Listening Planet to get started.
• Listening Planet Talks & Tasters
Need a keynote speaker on the art of listening? Want a short workshop to introduce people to the concept of becoming a better listener? Let's talk.
• Adapt this Workshop’s Tools to your Needs or Profession
Listening Planet can custom-tailor a workshop specifically for your organization or group! I have taught people of all ages and a wide swath of professions — firefighters, police officers, government workers, construction crews, prisoners, teenagers, people with varying abilities, children, spiritual organizations, healthcare workers, teachers, parents, couples... and across many cultures. I learn about your special needs from you, and then adapt the workshop to speak directly to your application. Cost for the “Build Your Own” class is based on a $150/hour fee for prep, discovery, teaching, and follow-up. Contact me to get started.
Endorsements
“Thank you for this workshop, it's a mind-blowingly helpful, emotional, life-changing experience. My wife and I would like to chase after your future classes.”
“I cannot believe what a difference [these classes] are making to me in everyday life and how often I see that many of the principles can be applied. I enjoyed the practice breakouts, the finer points on the generous handouts of ideas, and the demonstrations [Marcia] did that showed how listening can be taken to a deeper level to help the person talking come to a greater realization of their thoughts and wishes and to feel satisfied that they are heard.”
“We had an amazing opportunity to take a 4-week workshop, the Art of Listening by Marcia McReynolds. It was so insightful. While we can’t change our ways overnight, there is hope that we can be more present and be better open-hearted listeners. Thank you Marcia for allowing us to grow in this process.”