Each one tried to outdo the others vita. Now I divide the class into groups of threes and have them do a get acquainted exercise. In these groups, each student has an opportunity to play the role of Listener, Speaker and Observer. There are three rounds each lasting at least five minutes, so that every student plays each role. The Observer then relates his or her perceptions of how well the Listener recalled the facts and how well the Listener attended to the Speaker, i.e., paid attention, maintained eye contact, etc.
Students then change rolls and do another round.
The complete exercise takes about 20 minutes. It is especially appropriate in a course on counseling and interviewing, but it might also be used in other seminar or discussion classes where it is important for students to learn how to listen to one another.