Listening Skills

The Principles of Listening

Difference between Hearing and Listening

Hearing is a physical ability while listening is a
skill that can be learned.
Listening skills allow one to make sense of and
understand what another person is saying.

Process
Listening is a process; it is possible to train people
to adapt their listening styles:
1. Active and passive
2. Attentive, retentive (absorb knowledge),
reflective(understanding), and reactive
(response-oriented).

Observe
A good listener will listen not only to what is
being said, but also to what is left unsaid or
only partially said.
Effective listening involves observing body
language and noticing inconsistencies
between verbal and non-verbal messages.

1. Stop Talking
If we were supposed to talk more than we listen, we
would have two tongues and one ear. Mark Twain.
Don't talk, listen. When somebody else is talking
listen to what they are saying, do not interrupt,
talk over them or finish their sentences for them.

2. Avoid Personal Prejudice

Try to be impartial.
Don't become irritated and don't let the persons habits
or mannerisms distract you from what the speaker is
really saying.
Everybody has a different way of speaking - some
people are more nervous or shy than others, some have
regional accents or make excessive arm movements
others like to sit still.
Focus on what is being said and try to ignore styles of
delivery.

3. Listen for Ideas Not Just Words

You need to get the whole picture, not just
isolated bits and pieces.
Maybe one of the most difficult aspects of
listening is the ability to link together pieces of
information to reveal the ideas of others.With
proper concentration, letting go of
distractions, and focus this becomes easier.

4. Empathize
Try to understand the other persons point of
view.
Look at issues from their perspective. Let go of
preconceived ideas. By having an open mind we can
more fully empathize with the speaker.
If the speaker says something that you disagree with
then wait and construct an argument to counter
what is said but keep an open mind to the views and
opinions of others.

5. Eye Contact
Face the speaker and maintain eye contact.
In most Western cultures, eye contact is considered
a basic ingredient of effective communication.
Put aside papers, books, the phone and other
distractions and look at the speaker, even if they
dont look at you.
Shyness, uncertainty, shame, guilt, or other
emotions, along with cultural taboos, can inhibit eye
contact in some people under some circumstances.

6. Regular Feedback
Show that you understand where the speaker is
coming from by reflecting the speakers feelings.
seriously? Must have been tough for you.
If the speakers feelings are hidden or unclear,
then occasionally paraphrase the content of the
message.
Or just nod and show your understanding
through appropriate facial expressions and an
occasional well-timed hmmm or uh huh.

Listening Strategies

listening for the main idea

listening for specific details
predicting
drawing inferences
summarizing

Reproduction of what has been said

Write down briefly the chief
factors of the story or dialogue.
Dont leave out any important
point.
Try to write out in simple,
straightforward English.
Dont copy the language, use
your natural writing style.

Examine your composition for

mistakes in spellings,
grammar, or punctuation.
And see that your sentences
are properly constructed and
whole composition makes
sense.

Dialogue
You can start verbal contact by:
1. Making a short address
2. Greetings
3. Introducing yourself
4. Using small talk (speaking about weather, load shedding
etc.)
With the help of these methods You can:
1. Attract other persons attention
2. Create a comfortable atmosphere for good
communication