Get premium membership and access questions with answers, video lessons as well as revision papers.

What is meant by the term ‘effective listening? Describe how this skill may be acquired and developed.

      

What is meant by the term ‘effective listening? Describe how this skill may be acquired and developed.

  

Answers


Kavungya
Effective listening refers to the process of applying one's full faculties to the presenter or
speaker either on a one on one basis or as part of an audience. To make effective listening
possible, several positive approaches can be made.
• First, pick out the dominant theme of the person speaking. What thoughts are uppermost
in his mind? In what frame of reference should his words be taken?
• You listen better by actively concentrating. Try to ensure that there are no interruptions
such as telephone calls. Avoid distractions like noise, poor seating etc.
• Make eye contact and use body language. This encourages the speaker and helps him
assess how well/badly the message is getting home.
• Ask open-minded questions like “Tell me about……..” and probe for more information
e.g. “In what way do you feel….”; “Could you give an example?”
• When a communication is badly conveyed, one must still make the effort to register the
message. There is a tendency to dismiss out of hand a topic where the content appears
to be too advanced or too detailed. This should be avoided. In fact, the more unfamiliar
the subject-matter the more likely the speaker is to find himself wrestling with difficulties
of expression but this should not put off the listener.
• Try to receive the whole of what is said, not merely compliments and pleasant messages
but even those items which are not pleasing or contain adverse comment on your
actions or opinions.
• Rid yourself of the habit of picking out one point made by the speaker and dwelling on
it while he is continuing with others, which you will miss. There is a sense of proportion
and balance in listening as in speaking.
• You will also find it beneficial to form better listening habits by repeating back what the
speaker has said to show you are trying to understand and that you are interested.
• Take only very brief notes as this can impair your listening.
Kavungya answered the question on April 12, 2021 at 15:33


Next: To whom does the entrepreneur owe a duty of obligation in meeting the ends of his business?
Previous: Using as much of the foregoing information as you need, and inventing any additional minor details as appropriate, write a report to the Managing Director...

View More CPA Entrepreneurship and Communication Questions and Answers | Return to Questions Index


Learn High School English on YouTube

Related Questions