There is a very interesting ancient Turkish maxim which conveys the value of listening:If speaking is silver, then listening is gold.Whereas hearing (e.g. noise of traffic on the road) is with ears, listening (not only hearing the words but understanding their meaning) is with mind and is influenced by attitude. There is a difference between merely hearing the words and really listening for the message. Making listening active in the true sense is a technique that requires the listener to understand, interpret and evaluate what the speaker says. It also takes into consideration the fact that you will be able to remember what was said and analyse the ideas or the speakers thoughts. Active listening has the power to strengthen personal relationship through reduction of conflicts, fostering understanding and improving cooperation. This in turn helps making people feel valued and also adds value to the learning as well as contributing to ones own personal growth. Lets introspect. Why do we listen to people as students or employees and may be in any other role of a listener? We basically listen to obtain information, to understand, to learn and also to enjoy. As young seeker sit becomes all the more important to develop these skills, which will help us to grow professionally as well as personally. Active listening is a way of listening and responding to people so that it improves common understanding. It is made up of three components which are attitude, attention and adjustment. Here are the main elements of active listening. Be positive: As you enter a lecture room or wherever you are going to hear someone speak, focus your thought son the subject. Cease all unrelated or distracting activities. Keep your mind open and free from any bias. You are there to learn what the speaker has to say and remember its not the other way around. Pay full attention: Give undivided attention. Look at the speaker directly. Watch his body language. Acknowledge the message. Use appropriate non-verbal communication signs. Dont indulge in side conversations when listening in a group setting. Once you are listening with your complete attention, your train of thoughts will run along the speakers line of thought.
Let the speaker know that you are listening: Make gestures from time to time. Make occasional verbal comments like yes and uh huh. Assume a posture that indicates sign of openness and inviting.
Do not interrupt: Even if you have any questions, do not raise them while the speaker is presenting. Try to engage in a conversation rather than an argument or disagreement. Be adjusting.
Give feedback: Sometimes our beliefs tend to colour what we hear resist this temptation. Reflect on what the speaker says. Ask questions to clarify certain points, if necessary. What do you mean when you say ? Is that what you mean ?
Avoid immediate judgment: If you interrupt a speaker, it will frustrate him and limit understanding of the message, besides causing wastage of time. Let the speaker finish what he wants to say.
Give appropriate response: You will not gain anything by attacking the speaker or putting him down. You can assert your opinion but do it respectfully. Treat the other person as you would like to be treated by him. Always remember that it requires tremendous concentration and willpower to be an active listener. Old habits are hard to break, and new ones difficult to imbibe. However, be purposeful with your listening and remind yourself that your objective is not merely to hear but understand what the other person is saying. Set aside all other thoughts and actions and concentrate on the message. You will be surprised at the gradual change in you. Develop active listening in you to become a better communicator, as it would lead to your improved efficiency at work, and building harmonious relationships with all those you come in contact with.
Let the speaker know that you are listening: Make gestures from time to time. Make occasional verbal comments like yes and uh huh. Assume a posture that indicates sign of openness and inviting.
Do not interrupt: Even if you have any questions, do not raise them while the speaker is presenting. Try to engage in a conversation rather than an argument or disagreement. Be adjusting.
Give feedback: Sometimes our beliefs tend to colour what we hear resist this temptation. Reflect on what the speaker says. Ask questions to clarify certain points, if necessary. What do you mean when you say ? Is that what you mean ?
Avoid immediate judgment: If you interrupt a speaker, it will frustrate him and limit understanding of the message, besides causing wastage of time. Let the speaker finish what he wants to say.
Give appropriate response: You will not gain anything by attacking the speaker or putting him down. You can assert your opinion but do it respectfully. Treat the other person as you would like to be treated by him. Always remember that it requires tremendous concentration and willpower to be an active listener. Old habits are hard to break, and new ones difficult to imbibe. However, be purposeful with your listening and remind yourself that your objective is not merely to hear but understand what the other person is saying. Set aside all other thoughts and actions and concentrate on the message. You will be surprised at the gradual change in you. Develop active listening in you to become a better communicator, as it would lead to your improved efficiency at work, and building harmonious relationships with all those you come in contact with.