Listening 1

Listening

Introduction • Part of Communication • Hearing - a physical aspect • Listening is an intellectual, and emotional process that integrates physical, emotional and intellectual inputs Listening is a mental process

Definition Leland Brown – Listening is an activity that can be turned on and off consciously and unconsciously. It starts with the receiver’s becoming aware that they should listen and become attentive to what is being said.

Definition M.V. Rodriques – Listening is a process of receiving, interpreting and reacting to the messages received from the communication sender

Definition Keith Davis – Listening is a conscious, positive act requiring will power. It is not a simple, passive exposure to sound

Nature • We spend – 60% time in listening • Most of us are 35 – 55% efficient in listening • Must have mutual understanding for effective communication

Principles Good Listening • Listen Patiently • Understand the feelings of the Speaker – ‘Bhavnao Ko Samjho’ • Allow time for discussion - feedback

Principles Good Listening • Avoid cliches / jargon • Respond to the speakers comments • Listener should have a purpose for listening • Time Differential – we speak 100 – 150 wpm. - & we think 400 – 500 wpm

Process of Listening • Awareness – Speaker should say something ‘new’ – what the audience does not know New ideas, thoughts, information, thus NEWS

Process of Listening • Reception & Hearing – listener to be attentive and aware • Get closer to a person who is deaf / hard of hearing • Keep an open mind – not the ‘I know it all’ attitude

Process of Listening • Perception by the listener – correctly understanding the message – depends on age, maturity, knowledge, experience, attitude, values, etc. • Understand the Speaker - the feelings – Bhavana

Types of Listening • Active Listening – listening to a person without passing judgment • Deliberate listening – • Listening By Observation – body language, smile, gestures etc.

Types of Listening • Projective Listening – process to observe and understand. Commonly used in meetings and discussions • Marginal / Partial Listening -

Types of Listening • Passive Listening – tape or radio • Evaluating – takes time to evaluate what the Speaker is saying • Fake -

Listening Styles Results-style: Interested in the bottom line or result of a message.

Reasons-style: Interested in hearing the rationale behind a message.

Process-style: Likes to discuss issues in detail.

The Keys to Effective Listening Keys to Effective Listening

The Bad Listener

The Good Listener

1. Capitalize on thought speed

Tends to daydream

Stays with the speaker, mentally summarizes the speaker, weighs evidence, and listens between the lines

2. Listen for ideas

Listens for facts

Listens for central or overall ideas

3. Find an area of interest

Tunes out dry speakers or subjects

Listens for any useful information

4. Judge content, not delivery

Tunes out dry monotone speakers

Assesses content by listening to entire message before making judgments

5. Hold your fire

Gets too emotional or worked up by something said by the speaker and enters into an argument

Withholds judgment until comprehension is complete

The Keys to Effective Listening (cont) Keys to Effective Listening

The Bad Listener

The Good Listener

6. Work at listening

Does not expend energy on listening

Gives the speaker full attention

7. Resist Distractions

Is easily distracted

Fights distractions and concentrates on the speaker

8. Hear what is said

Shuts our or denies unfavorable information

Listens to both favorable and unfavorable information

9. Challenge yourself

Resists listening to presentations of difficult subject manner

Treats complex presentations as exercises for the mind

10. Use handouts, overheads, or other visual aids

Does not take notes or pay attention to visual aids

Takes notes as required and uses visual aids to enhance understanding of the presentation

Barriers of Listening

Barriers of Listening • • • • •

Wandering Mind – Partial Listening – Distraction of mind – Lack of motivation – Emotional block – beliefs, prejudice, fear, dislike, bias, apprehension, etc

Barriers of Listening • Taking Notes – • Rebuttal Instinct – something said is wrong, and gradually results in quarrels – arguments • Jumbled/Mumbled Words • Monologue – go on and on

Barriers of Listening • • • • • •

Selective Listening – Listening only for words False Listening Lack of interest Noise Poor perception / understanding

Bad Listening Habits • Listening attitudes formed in early life – • Parents’ influence • Authoritarian Parents – • Warm parents who listen to you – you respond positively

Bad Listening Habits • Timid nature / submissive behaviour • Wandering mind • Calling the subject ‘uninteresting’

Bad Listening Habits • Technical talk – not interested or not clear • Fake listening • “I know it All” attitude

Guidelines To Effective Listening

Prof. C.S. Rayudu suggests the following techniques to overcome poor listening habits and to accomplish an effective listening and improved listening

• Listener to maintain eye contact • Listeners body language – nod your head, posture, etc • Avoid uninterested gestures – looking at watch, SMS, reading paper, playing with pen / pencil, etc. • Ask questions – shows interest – after the Speaker has finished speaking

• Listen patiently – • Avoid arguments – • Hold your temper • Be honest with your answers • Listen and understand the total meaning of the message • Drop personal biasness

Thank You