How do bad listening habits develop? Explain the different types of bad listening habits.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answers will vary. Many bad listening habits develop simply because the speed of spoken messages is far slower than our ability to receive and process them. Normal speaking speeds are between 100 and 150 words a minute. The human ear can actually distinguish words in speech in excess of 500 words a minute, and many people read at speeds well beyond 500 words a minute. Finally, our minds process thoughts at thousands of words a minute.A second reason for poor listening habits is that it takes effort to listen as opposed to simply hearing. We need to take steps to concentrate on what we are hearing to eliminate distractions, take notes and engage in active listening techniques.Most of us have developed bad listening habits in one or more of the following areas:a. Faking attention: We can look directly at a person, nod, smile, and pretend to be listening.b. Allowing disruptions: We welcome disruptions of almost any sort when we are engaged in somewhat difficult listening.c. Over-listening: When we attempt to record many details in writing or in memory, we can over-listen and miss the speaker's major points.d. Stereotyping: We make spontaneous judgments about others based on such issues as appearances, mannerisms, dress, and speech delivery. If a speaker does not meet our standards in these areas, we simply turn off our listening and assume the speaker cannot have much to say.e. Dismissing subjects as uninteresting: People tend to use disinterest as a rationale for not listening. Unfortunately, a decision is usually made before a topic is ever introduced.d. Failing to observe nonverbal aids: To listen effectively, you must observe the speaker. Facial expressions and body motions always accompany speech and contribute much to messages. REJ: Please see the section "Listening as a Communication Skill" for more information.