The Sum

Whether you are a student or an interviewee for a job or attenting a seminar, effective listening skills are necessary. A good boss in a commercial establishment has to have good listening skills. Redressing the grievances of the employees can be achieved to a great degree by merely being a good listener. Conflict management uses this as a skill to resolve conflicts. It is an excellent social skill. If you can patiently listen to others, you will be one of the more popular persons rather than the one who has strong opinion about everything.

Listening skills can be developed. Make note of the following and try to remind yourself about the importance of the subject to gain focus:

1. Paying attention to the speaker or someone whom you meet is the way that you begin the listening. It is advisable to look directly in the eyes of the speaker, where possible.

2. Stay as relaxed and show interest in the subject and the orator or speaker.

3. Keeping your mind clear of othere subjects helps in staying on the subject being talked.

4. If you have questions, make your notes and ask at the end or when given the opportunity. This helps the speaker keep his chain of thoughts.

5. Doing your preparation helps you gain some insight into the subject which makes realting to the subject much easier. This also helps in asking better questions.

6. Distractions like visitors passing, noises in the building, conversation of others should not bother you and your focus should be on the speaker, the subject and your time being spent on the effort.

7. Body languauge such as gestures, tone of the voice, dress of the speaker, all are part of comunication which can modify the words being used or emphasis being placed on a certain aspect.

8. You can show your interest by smiles, nodding, or leaning of the head which shows to the speaker that you are interested and listening.

9. Summarizing the speakers point of view in your own words and seeking confirmation of the speaker about your summary is a good way of showing the focus and attention.

Listening: The Forgotten Skill: A Self-Teaching Guide (Wiley Self-Teaching Guides) (Book) Authors:Madelyn Burley-Allen Manufacturer:Wiley Released:February, 1995

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