Category - Media
Topic - Communication
Issue - Tips to developing effective listening skills
Tiptoid -
The other day I was talking to my friend Molly, and when I looked at her closely, I thought I saw her eyes glaze over! She didn't seem to be hearing a word I was saying!
Has this ever happened to you? The answer is, probably, yes! That's because most of us have never really learned to listen well.
Molly and I want to be successful communicators - did we tell you we are taking acting classes in high school?!? - so we decided to bone up on some effective listening techniques. We asked our Multimedia Productions teacher for some suggestions, and she showed us this article that explained some steps to help us improve our ability to listen.
Step 1: The first step is to quiet our inner voices until the other person is finished speaking. During a conversation, we are usually trying to think of a comeback or response to the speaker's comments. What we're really doing is listening to ourselves, even though we think we are listening to the other person.
Step 2: While the other person is talking, we need to give them 100% or our attention. It's a courtesy, too!
Step 3: Reading a person's body language is as important as listening to their words. Pay attention to the person's expressions, which include eye contact, face and body gestures, and tone of voice.
Step 4: It's often a good idea to restate what the person just said. This shows that we were listening; it gives the speaker a chance to correct misunderstandings or miscommunications, and it reinforces the speaker's points in our minds.
Step 5: Ask an insightful question. This demonstrates to the speaker that his/her comments have been analyzed, and that we've thought about the information we've just heard.
By practicing these techniques, Molly and I have discovered that our ability to listen has really improved. Our conversations flow with much more meaning now. You should try these methods too. Imagine how intellectual, stimulating, and enthralling your conversations will be - just like ours!
Glossary -
body language - nonverbal, usually unconscious, communication through the use of postures, gestures, facial expression, and the like
insightful - characterized by or displaying insight; perceptive
restate - to say again, or in a new way
Find Out More -
National School Public Relations Association, www.nspra.org ; 301/5190496
http://www.hinduwebsite.com/selfdevt/listening.asp
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Submitted by - Katie Kavanagh and Molly Cedro
Site Manager - Chris Ricci
June 2007