Sports give teens an opportunity to learn how to communicate effectively with one another. For the team to reach success, the teammates must listen both to the coach and to one another. Regardless of what type of team the teen joins, communication must happen. For example, if an opponent approaches a soccer player from behind, the player must listen to the warning from the coach or teammates in order to not lose the ball.
Practice running through mock job interviews to enhance the teen's ability to listen to someone. A job interview can be nerve-wracking, and the teen can easily find himself distracted by his own nervous thoughts. If this happens during a job interview, important information may be missed. Practicing interviewing will not only help the teen know how to listen, but will also strengthen his interviewing skill for the real world.
Listening involves both hearing and understanding. Charades focuses on helping the teenager understand what is said, while taking away the speaking and hearing aspect. According to A. Barbour, author of "Louder Than Words: Nonverbal Communication," nearly 55 percent of communication is done nonverbally. During charades, someone acts out a specific phrase without saying a word. Teen players must therefore pay attention to understand what people say nonverbally.
You also listen when you read and comprehend what the words on the page mean. Building furniture or other things allows teens to learn how to listen to written directions. Throughout high school, college and the career years, written communication will serve as an indispensable part of the teen's life. Have the teen build a birdhouse using only written directions. This will challenge the teen to listen to what has been written.