LISTENING

Listening is the ability to accurately receive and interpret messages in the communication process.

Listening is key to all effective communication, without the ability to listen effectively messages are easily misunderstood – communication breaks down and the sender of the message can easily become frustrated or irritated.

Process of Listening involves

- Receiving - Hearing the sounds produced and accepting them without any barriers disrupting communication

- Interpreting - Giving meaning to the words and thus understanding what the speaker is trying to say.

- Remembering - The ability to listen well will enable you to remember and retain what you have heard.

- Evaluating - Assess the message by applying thinking skills and evaluate the message

- Respond - Provide feedback. This will enable the sender of the message to know that you have understood the message.


IMPORTANCE OF LISTENING

- Listening attentively is a mark of good manners.
- Listening helps you follow orders / instructions better
- Listening enables the important objectives of communication such as motivations, boost to morale, etc.
- Listen patiently to your workers and customers so that they can communicate their grievances or problems and thus the company will be able to resolve the issues
- Listening encourages group communication, and makes activities like committee meetings, conferences, seminars, etc. a session where one can develop oneself.


CULTIVATING GOOD LISTENING SKILLS

- Listening cannot take place if you are talking. The anagram of 'listen' is 'silent'
- Avoid listening to more than one person at a time.
- Have an open mind. Be willing to listen to, discuss and even accept other people's views and opinions if you are convinced about them.
- Arrive in time so that you can settle yourself  physically and mentally and help you concentrate on listening.
- Focus on what is being said
- Avoid distractions such as tapping a pen, shifting papers etc. as this distracts both the speaker and the listener
- Motivate the speaker by taking interest in what he/she is saying
- Do not lose you temper, as angry people neither listen nor understand properly
- Do not judge a speaker before the speech is completed
- Ask the speaker questions only after the speech is over

Watch the video by clicking the link: Listening