Grant Hazel 11 November 2008 Interpersonal Communication Jerry McGuire: Listening Mindless listening occurs when we react to others’ messages automatically and routinely, without mush mental investment. One example of mindless listening in Jerry McGuire is in the beginning, when Jerry McGuire, or Tom Cruz, gets stuck on the phone with Rod Tidwell, or Cuba Gooding Jr., when he was in a hurry to move on to his next phone call. Rod Tidwell is rambling on and on in a half incoherent manner into the phone while Jerry McGuire is paying more of his attention to the activities going on around him and to his own frustration at having to be stuck on the phone instead of calling more clients. Jerry does make the occasional routine “yeah’s” and “uh-huh’s” though. In fact, the majority of the first half of the movie was spent with Jerry McGuire hearing what Rod Tidwell was saying, but not actually listening to him. Mindful Listening involves giving careful and thoughtful attention and responses to the messages we receive. An example of mindful listening in Jerry McGuire is at the very end of the film. Jerry is in the midst of a speech, attempting to convince Dorothy Boyd, or Renee Zellweger, of his love for her, when he is told to “shut up” by Dorothy. While he normally does not listen to others around him, he stops speaking mid-word. He is able to completely forget the point he was trying to get across and give all of his attention to her. Another example of mindful listening in the movie has to do with Rod Tidwell. For the majority of the movie Rod Tidwell is unable to listen to what Jerry is telling him. He just kept saying “show me the money” and other mindless responses. Near the end of the movie Jerry explodes on him and tells him why nobody will give him more money or pay him any attention. He tells him he needs to lose the attitude that he has with his teammates in the locker room. Jerry is able to get though to him in this explosive inspirational speech. Rod...