Discuss 10 ways in which listening can be improved.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Besides using reflection, you can improve how well you listen by practicing the following techniques:

1.    Find an area of interest. Even if you decide the topic is dull, ask yourself, "What is the speaker saying that I can use?"
2.    Judge content, not delivery. Don't get caught up in the speaker's personality, mannerisms, speaking voice, or clothing. Instead try to learn what the speaker knows.
3.    Hold your fire. Rather than getting immediately excited by what the speaker seems to be saying, withhold evaluation until you understand the speaker's message.
4.    Listen for ideas. Don't get bogged down in all the facts and details; focus on central ideas.
5.    Be flexible. Have several systems for note taking, and use the system best suited to the speaker's style. Don't take too many notes or try to force everything said by a disorganized speaker into a formal outline.
6.    Resist distraction. Close the door, shut off the radio, move closer to the person talking, or ask him or her to speak louder. Don't look out the window or at papers on your desk.
7.    Exercise your mind. Some people tune out when the material gets difficult. Develop an appetite for a good mental challenge.
8.    Keep your mind open. Many people get overly emotional when they hear words referring to their most deeply held convictions-for example, union, subsidy, import, Republican or Democrat, and big business. Try not to let your emotions interfere with comprehension.
9.    Capitalize on thought speed. Take advantage of the fact that most people talk at a rate of about 125 words per minute, but most of us think at about four times that rate. Use those extra 400 words per minute to think about what the speaker is saying rather than turning your thoughts to something else.
10.    Work at listening. Spend some energy. Don't just pretend you're paying attention. Show interest. Good listening is hard work, but the benefits outweigh the costs.