In this exercise called a Snakk, is an exercise where one person is a speaker, and the other is a listener throughout the whole session. In this session:

You are a Listener!

In this exercise you will be connected to another tester (the speaker), who is going to tell you about their life and what’s going on for them. This is your chance to practice a skill called active listening. Your role is to hold an open space for them to express themselves in, and listen to what they have to say, without the need to:

  • Tell them what to do.

  • Offer them your own opinion, experiences or fixes.

  • Judging their values and choices.

Instead, be there for them. Lend them an ear. Get a sense of what it’s like to be them.

They don’t know your name or location, and for your privacy and ease of use we suggest that you do not share anything that identifies you. You will be connected online via a video communication that will work on a computer with web camera or smart phone/tablet.

  • The session will last 10 minutes.

  • Keep it anonymous.

  • Talk about anything, and feel free to put words to things under the surface.

  • Find a quiet safe space to talk from, and focus on the call itself.

  • Afterwards, you will be interviewed and/or given a link to a quick feedback form to fill in. It’s this feedback that will help make this product awesome.

  • There might be an observer (one of us) there to make notes. They will not interact with you unless it’s absolutely necessary.

  • All parties will keep the contents of the call confidential.

Listening Tips:

In the start, if needed, ask a neutral question from this list:

  • What’s going on for you in your life right now?

  • How did you feel emotionally in the last few days?

  • What do you feel you need right now?

Give them time and space to think and verbalise their thoughts.
If they seem stuck, try to repeat the last thing they said and to prompt them to go on.

Example:
Speaker: I feel worried about this exam tomorrow…
Listener: So, you say you are feeling worried about the exam you have tomorrow?

Don’t worry about losing the thread or having distracting thoughts. This is normal. Acknowledge any thoughts in your mind, let them go, and get back to listening.