Today at work we were talking about the concept active listening. Hearing the practices of “reflecting back what is said”, “asking for clarification”, and “summarizing” made me think of Bob McDonald.

Bob McDonald is the host of the CBC Radio science program, Quirks & Quarks. I also loved watching his science TV show Wonderstruck when I was a kid. I remember one episode of Wonderstruck about balance where Bob learned to center his mass over the rear axle of his mountain bike and rode around perfectly on the back-tire only.

On the Quirks & Quarks radio show, you can hear the pattern of asking questions of a guest, listening, and then reflecting back what was heard (often in simpler terms). It’s a great way to communicate, and it’s also a great way to host a science show. Keep active-listening, Bob!