Listening is the most neglected and least understood of the communication arts.
Perceptive listening doesn't require a degree, but it does require learning.
Perceptive listening doesn't require a degree, but it does require learning.
Listening Versus Hearing:
Hearing refers to the process by which sound waves hit the ear with lightning speed and are transmitted to the brain - an unlearned process occurring without conscious effort on our part.
Listening describes a skill which one learns. The process of listening is tuning in or tuning out voices, noise, music. A conscious choice is made about what will receive our attention.
Listening is a serious business because it involves more than hearing words.
Merely deciding to try to improve your listening skills will not work. You must discipline yourself and make a firm commitment to improve this skill.
Here are seven power-packed ways you can practice listening with feeling on a daily basis.
1. Maintain good eye contact: Focus your full attention on the speaker. Don't claim you're listening while doing another thing.
2. Sit attentively: For a few minutes, act as if nothing else in the world matters except hearing out your speaker. Block all other distractions from your mind. Every word matters, so pick them up carefully.
3. Act interested in what you are about to hear: Raise your eyebrows, nod your head in agreement, smile, or laugh when appropriate.
4. Sprinkle your attentive listening with appropriate phrases to show interest and understanding:
Your speaker wants to know if you understand the ideas being presented.
Your speaker wants to know if you understand the ideas being presented.
5. Ask well-phrased questions: Give encouragement by asking questions that illustrate your interest in the idea.
6. Never interrupt: You must let the speaker express completely his or her thoughts before conveying yours. It is an act of respect.
7. Listen a little longer: Just when you think you are through listening, listen thirty seconds longer!
In conclusion, listening is essential being in your academics, career, relationships and in fact, all areas of life.
It is a skill we must develop.
By:Owolabi Samuel Adewumi
Chief Editor, Courtspirion.
Chief Editor, Courtspirion.
0 comments:
Post a Comment
Were you Inspired and/or Motivated after reading this article? Send in your comments here