Skill of Listening
Listening is an active skill.To listen, according to the meaning given in one dictionary is “to hear with thoughtful attention”. So listen implies hearing, but the converse is not necessarily true. Very often, we hear without listening.What makes listening difficult in spite of the fact that this is one skill used by all of us most of the time? Let’s look at some Barriers to Effective Listening.We think much faster than we talk. Instead of listening while the customer is talking, we mentally rehearse what we are going to say in response.INCREASING LISTENING SKILLSAn effective listener listens, not only to words, but to the meaning behind the words. Clearly, effective listening is not a passive process:Several principles can aid in increasing essential listening skills.• The listener should have a reason or purpose for listening.• It is important for the listener to suspend judgment...
