Vermont Conversation Lab Hosts SOCKS StoryListening Workshop

The Vermont Conversation Lab held a SOCKS Summertime StoryListening Conversation Workshop on July 30, 2024 at the University of Vermont (UVM) Davis Center. Facilitated by SOCKS Health Team Lead, Robert Gramling, MD, and End of Life Doula, Francesca Arnoldy of the UVM Medical Center, the three-hour workshop offered 30 SOCKS summer undergraduate interns, faculty, and staff an innovative opportunity to hone their listening skills when communicating with others.

Developed as a way to explore the listening side of conversation storytelling, the StoryListening Workshop focused on effective approaches to encourage presence and understanding while someone tells their personal story. The very hands-on workshop focused on conversational activities pairing off participants and alternating between telling a personal story and practicing listening skills demonstrated by Dr. Gramling and Ms. Arnoldy.

The insightful workshop integrated educational content, thought-provoking prompts, writing exercises, practice sessions, and group discussions. It included an emphasis on validation through receptive listening, respect for the storyteller, and allowing silence without giving into the urge to fill that void.

For more information on the Vermont Conversation Lab, please visit vermontconversationlab.com or email