a. What role does the hearer play in making sure the speaker's utterance, sound and message is correctly understood?

b.Name one strategy the hearer can use to increase understanding.

I would appreciate some ideas, but I think the key here is listening and asking questions would be a good start. Any thoughts?

Yes ... it's called active listening.

http://www.google.com/search?q=active+listening&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&client=firefox-a&rlz=1R1GGGL_en___US357

Lots of ideas in these search results.

Thank you for your help!

You're very welcome.

Here is another article:

http://www.members.cox.net/dagershaw/lol/Listener.htm

I hope this helps a little more.

a. The hearer plays a crucial role in ensuring that the speaker's utterance, sound, and message are correctly understood. This role involves actively engaging in the listening process and employing various strategies to comprehend and clarify the speaker's communication.

To effectively understand the speaker, the hearer can focus on the following:

1. Active listening: Actively listening means giving full attention to the speaker, being present in the moment, and avoiding distractions. It involves not only hearing the words but also paying attention to the speaker's tone, body language, and overall message.

2. Asking clarifying questions: When the hearer encounters uncertainty or ambiguity in the speaker's utterance, asking clarifying questions can help ensure a better understanding. These questions can seek clarification on specific points or ask the speaker to provide examples or additional details.

3. Paraphrasing: Restating the speaker's message in one's own words can help verify comprehension and demonstrate active engagement. Paraphrasing also offers an opportunity for the speaker to confirm or correct any misunderstandings.

4. Nonverbal cues: The hearer can interpret the speaker's nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions and gestures, to gain further insight into the speaker's intended meaning. Nonverbal cues can provide additional context and help enhance understanding.

5. Empathy and perspective-taking: Understanding the speaker's point of view and putting oneself in their shoes can contribute to better comprehension. By considering the speaker's emotions, background, and motivations, the hearer can interpret the message with greater accuracy.

b. One strategy the hearer can use to increase understanding is reflective listening. Reflective listening involves restating or summarizing the speaker's message to confirm comprehension. This strategy allows the hearer to articulate their understanding in their own words, helping the speaker validate or correct any misinterpretations. Reflective listening fosters active engagement, encourages the speaker to provide more information if needed, and promotes effective communication between the speaker and hearer.