EFFECTIVE LISTENING: 1.3

EFFECTIVE LISTENING: 1.3

Why do we listen?

• To gain information.

• To get feed back.

• To participate in another’s story.

• To hear of their experiences and insights.

• To be in control (information is power)

• To broaden our horizons (to learn)

• To create a relationship.

• To respect and value others.

FACTS about LISTENING

What is Listening ?

      First listening requires the ear. If one doesn't or isn't able to hear, then listening can’t take place. Your ears are primary to listening. In other words, you must give the other person communicating your full attention so that you actually hear the message. We also must listen with our eyes. Much of listening is observing and trying to understand not only what is being said but how it is being said. This is often called nonverbal communications. And listening also involves the heart. We need to understand the emotion that is being communicated in the words we hear (and see). Listening requires ears as primary, plus eye contact, and one heart…a full attention.

Listening is the process of,

i. receiving,

ii. constructing meaning from,

iii. and responding to spoken and/or nonverbal messages;

iv. to hear something with thoughtful attention 

      

Why is it important to be a good listener?

1. Listening builds stronger relationships.

2. Listening promotes being heard.

3. Listening creates acceptance & openness.

4. Listening leads to learning

5. Listening reduces stress and tension.

6. Listening is CRITICAL in conflict resolution.

7. Listening is helpful in accomplishing tasks & making wise decisions.

8. Listening is directly proportional to learning.

9. Listening can enhance your problem   solving abilities.

10. Listening is the most powerful form of acknowledgment that the other person is important.

Listening Bad Habits

...to be continued.