List four ways of improving listening skills.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Student answers may vary. Answers should include any four of the following listening tips:

(1) Pay attention. When people interrupt you to talk, stop what you are doing and give them your complete attention. Quickly relax and clear your mind so that you are receptive to the speaker.

(2) Avoid distractions. Shut off your digital machines and other distractions. Keep your eye on the speaker.

(3) Stay tuned in. While the other person is talking or the professor is lecturing, do not let your mind wander to personal topics. If it does, gently bring it back. It is also very helpful to repeat in your mind what the speaker is saying. Do not think about what you are going to say in reply; just listen.

(4) Do not assume and interrupt. Listen to the entire message without interrupting the speaker other than to clarify the message.

(5) Watch for nonverbal cues. Watch as you listen to be sure that the speaker's eyes, body, and face are sending the same message as the verbal message. If something seems out of place, clarify by asking questions.

(6) Ask questions. When you feel there is something missing or contradictory, or you just do not understand, ask direct questions to get the person to explain the idea more fully.

(7) Take notes. Part of listening is writing down important things so you can remember them later. This is especially true when listening to instructions.

(8) Convey meaning. The way to let the speaker know you are listening to the message is to use verbal clues such as "you feel...," "uh huh," "I see," and "I understand." You should also use eye contact, appropriate facial expressions, nodding of the head, and sitting on the edge of the chair, leaning slightly forward to indicate you are interested and listening.