Listening is Important

Research has shown that people spend 48 % of their communication time in listening, 22 % in speaking, 18 % in reading and 12 % in writing. Despite this, the average listener understands and retains about half of what is said immediately after a presentation and within 48 hours, this level drops off to 22%. Hence, listening is the most critical skills in the communication process..

Different types of listening
Active listening occurs when a manager has little or no opportunity to interact verbally with the speaker, whereas

Interactive listening occurs when people have the opportunity to interact verbally with the speaker by asking questions or by summarizing.

The level of intensity reflects the relevance, the importance, or the significance of the information involved.

Four types of listeners have been identified. They are the non-listeners, the marginal listeners, the evaluative listeners, and the active listeners. The non-listeners and the marginal listeners hear the words being spoken, but are pre-occupied, uninterested, or busy preparing their next statement. These listeners are neither concerned with the message nor the context in which it is being presented. The evaluative listener makes a sincere attempt to listen by paying attention to the speaker, but makes no effort to understand the intent of the speaker’s message. This listener hears the words, but not the feelings and the meaning of the words. The active listener hears and understands the message. The active listener’s full attention is on the content of the message and the intention of the speaker.

Importance of Listening –

? To gain new information , ideas and data for decision making and thus aim at problem solving.
? To follow directions better and make fewer mistakes, and thereby become more dependable.
? A good listener stands out like a beacon of courtesy and fine manners in a sea of competitive talkers.
? Good listeners are better informed
? Good listening spares embarrassment.
? Good listening promotes understanding.

Listening does not mean agreement. It is a courtesy extended by the listener to the speaker. It is a conscious physical effort to pay attention and thereby understand.

BARRIERS TO LISTENING - PHYSICAL BARRIERS

? Prejudice against the speaker – Attention is lost when the speaker’s position, attitude or belief is entirely contrary to the listener.

? External distraction – the physical environment affects listening. Among the negative factors are noisy fans, poor or glaring lights, distracting background music etc. which might distract the listener’s attention from the speaker’s message.

? Thinking speed - We speak at an average speed of 125 w.p.m., but our brain is able listen at a speed of 400 – 600 w.p.m.. Since the brain can listen faster than we can speak, a listening gap occurs for the average person. This gap allows the mind to wander to thoughts unrelated to those being expressed by the speaker and influences the ability of the receiver to accurately hear the message being sent

? Semantic Stereotypes – Internal reaction words vary from person to person, each list influenced by feelings, attitudes, prejudices, and biases we carry within us. Hence , some words cause negative reactions. We tune out the speaker because the words annoy us; it shouts so loudly in the brain that effective listening is impaired.

? Premature evaluation - As a result of rapid thinking we race ahead to what we feel is the conclusion. We anticipate. We arrive at the concluding thought quickly – although often one that is quite different from that the speaker intended.

? Emotional blocks - popularly called as “Deaf Spots” prevent a person from taking in and retain certain ideas. There are certain people who cannot listen to figures, to politics, or to description of surgical operation.

? Detouring - Delivery style of the speaker can put off or create interest in the listeners. The tendency to criticise speaker’s manner, appearance, voice etc. impairs effective listening.

Click the link to learn about Effective Listening skills http://www.xomba.com/effective_listening_skills

Technorati Tags: Business Management

Vote Result

Score: 0.0, Votes: 0