You are organizing a visit by an alumnus to speak to your Middle East Studies club. Normally your club meets at lunch in the cafeteria, but you are wondering if that is the best place to meet alumnus. Using your knowledge of potential barriers to listening, describe the ideal setting for this small group discussion.

What will be an ideal response?

The cafeteria is unlikely to be an ideal place to meet with this alumnus. There is probably a high degree of physical noise in the cafeteria, which could easily interfere with the group’s ability to listen. Lunch might also not be a great time to meet, as the food itself could be distracting and contribute the physiological noise of chewing. It would be preferable to meet somewhere quieter, where physical noise would not distract anyone. It might also be better to meet after lunch or a time when club members are not eating.