What is Active
Listening?
Listening?
It is a technique that
professionals use to improve mutual understanding. It requires a special skill to understand the
message of a speaker by interpreting and evaluating it correctly. This skill cannot be acquired overnight. One
has to practice it over and over again to master it.
professionals use to improve mutual understanding. It requires a special skill to understand the
message of a speaker by interpreting and evaluating it correctly. This skill cannot be acquired overnight. One
has to practice it over and over again to master it.
What does it mean to
“hear?” It means to….
“hear?” It means to….
a.
To perceive by
the ear
To perceive by
the ear
b.
To gain knowledge
of by hearing.
To gain knowledge
of by hearing.
c.
To listen to with
attention.
To listen to with
attention.
What does it mean to “listen?”
It means….
It means….
a.
To pay attention
to sound.
To pay attention
to sound.
b.
To HEAR with
thoughtful attention.
To HEAR with
thoughtful attention.
c.
To be alert to
catch an expected sound.
To be alert to
catch an expected sound.
So, the technique of active
listening uses the following:
a. communication.
b. Two or more
people: a sender and a receiver.
c. Focus on the content
of the message, not reactions.
d. Feedback to
verify the messages.
listening uses the following:
a. communication.
b. Two or more
people: a sender and a receiver.
c. Focus on the content
of the message, not reactions.
d. Feedback to
verify the messages.
There are different types of
listening we practice — pretending, ignoring, selective, but the most
important skill we have to practice is “Active Listening”. It is the most important skill we very often fail
to use or neglect totally.
listening we practice — pretending, ignoring, selective, but the most
important skill we have to practice is “Active Listening”. It is the most important skill we very often fail
to use or neglect totally.
To polish our ‘Listening
Skills’, we have to HEAR. Each letter in the word “HEAR” stands for something
important:
Skills’, we have to HEAR. Each letter in the word “HEAR” stands for something
important:
H – Hear the speaker’s voice.
E – Empathize with the
speaker (to experience the feelings of others).
speaker (to experience the feelings of others).
A – Analyze the speaker’s
words and thoughts (to examine methodically).
words and thoughts (to examine methodically).
R – Respond with attention
and care.
and care.
HEAR THE SPEAKER’S VOICE: —
It means to listen attentively to their words and feelings with an open
mind. To do this, we have to avoid
letting our own feelings, attitudes to interfere. So, don’t interrupt; listen to the speaker’s
entire thought.
It means to listen attentively to their words and feelings with an open
mind. To do this, we have to avoid
letting our own feelings, attitudes to interfere. So, don’t interrupt; listen to the speaker’s
entire thought.
EMPATHIZE WITH THE SPEAKER:
— How do you do this? First, put
yourself in their position and be interested in what they say, even if it
differs from your own. Listen carefully
for ideas, facts, feelings, and the real thought behind the speaker’s
words.
— How do you do this? First, put
yourself in their position and be interested in what they say, even if it
differs from your own. Listen carefully
for ideas, facts, feelings, and the real thought behind the speaker’s
words.
ANALYZE THE SPEAKER’S WORDS
AND THOUGHTS: — This involves some deep thinking on your part. After
listening, summarize and review in your mind what the speaker said.
AND THOUGHTS: — This involves some deep thinking on your part. After
listening, summarize and review in your mind what the speaker said.
RESPOND: – Use words like ‘I
see’, ‘yes’, ‘I hear you’, ‘I understand’, and ‘I am with you’. Those phrases show that you are interested in
what they say and that you are paying attention. Wait until the speaker finishes. Don’t be quick to evaluate by offering
premature advice. Finally, check to be sure the speaker understands your
response.
see’, ‘yes’, ‘I hear you’, ‘I understand’, and ‘I am with you’. Those phrases show that you are interested in
what they say and that you are paying attention. Wait until the speaker finishes. Don’t be quick to evaluate by offering
premature advice. Finally, check to be sure the speaker understands your
response.
Note: Active Listening is
useful for businessmen and professionals in all fields. It is a sure fire way to succeed.
useful for businessmen and professionals in all fields. It is a sure fire way to succeed.
