Communications and Media

Jerry Maguire, the 1996 movie that was distributed by TriStar Pictures Gracie Films and starred Tom Cruise, is a film especially teeming with numerous examples of listening responses and the obstacles associated with successful listening practices.  Several conversations in the said film were truly depictive of examples of these kinds that other than making the film successful in its purpose of conveying its message, it also served as a prime candidate for advancing case studies on the principles encompassed in listening and its subsequent response

Jerrys work, that of a sports agent for a multi-million dollar corporation, has necessitated for him to deal with his athlete clientele with a sense of deception.  This had been apparent in his demeanor as he speaks with them on the phone, often times interrupting his clients in the middle of their sentences in order for him to express his point.  Apparently, even though he hears every word that his client says, he intentionally ignores their case.  His only concern was for him to overpower his client in their arguments for the advancement of his own career as an agent.  This kind of behavior that Jerry exhibits is typical for those with ulterior motives.  They pretend to hear every side of an argument, when in reality they had already decided on what stance to take, and on exactly how to achieve them.  Jerry, it seems, was not really concerned on the emotions of his clients, but only in the assurance that he will be able to represent them in their professional dealings.  

In direct contrast to Jerrys passive form of listening is Dorothy Boyds sincere and attentive type.  All throughout the film, she has displayed this characteristic by intently listening on the true meaning of what the others are saying.  She seemed to understand not only the logic behind what the speaker is trying to convey, but also the emotions that are attached in the words used by others.  The most evident instances wherein she had displayed this characteristic were during the conversations between Jerry and her little boy, Ray.  Here, her understanding seemed to go beyond the words spoken in Jerry she feels his fatherly love for her son, and from Ray, a sons admiration for a father figure.  From these observations, she was able to correctly perceive the beginnings of a special bond between Jerry and Ray, even though this reality was never verbally spoken.  Perhaps Dorothy possesses this type of an effective listening technique because of her sensitivity to the emotions of other people, plus the advantage of having to be a single parent who had been striving to be the best mother to her son.  

Another interesting type of listening practice and the corresponding response that results from this is the manner that was characteristic of Rod Tidwell.  His was consistently on the emotionally-hyped side, bordering either on racial or societal issues.  No matter how subtle the manner information is given to him, he seemed to find a way to make it sound arrogant and offensive.  Perhaps this was the reason why he had always found himself in heated arguments with whoever he was speaking with.  It was, for him, a defense mechanism born out of the feeling that he had been deprived of multi-million dollar offers primarily because of his color and a rather short stature for his chosen sport.

Lastly, the characteristics displayed by Ray, despite of being a mere child, were exceptional.  His observation on Rod while speaking with him on the phone, where he stated, Rod, you talk too much (Crowe, 1996), and his understanding of her mothers love for Jerry without being told, had clearly displayed his gift of being able to understand clearly another persons unspoken thoughts.  He possesses an innocence coupled with sensitivity and honesty in saying his responses to the things that he had heard.  In most probability, this was the result of her mothers incomparable love for him and in being constantly in the company of adults in his home, effecting in him to possess of listening capabilities and a formation of response that is much ahead of his age.