Sunday, September 13, 2009

Listening in Communication



Usually people do not realize the importance of listening in communication , because they tend to focus more on their speaking believing that good speaking alone is enough for good communication. Having the ability to speak well is necessary skill to successful communication but having the ability to listen well is as equally important in communication.

When we are having a conversation with a friend, for example, when they are telling us something but we end up letting our mind wander, thinking maybe about chores that are not yet done rather than fully concentrating on what the friend. In this kind of situation, we are not likely to get much out of what we heard from the person , probably even treat what has been said a mere buzzing sound and nothing more. Ever find yourself in a situation where you mindlessly saying "Mm.." & "Uh huh" when another person is speaking to you, but you later ask "I'm sorry, can you repeat that?" or "I'm sorry what did you say?" ?



The above are prime examples of poor listening skills. When we listen actively to what a person is saying only can we interpret the message that the person is trying to pass. Certainly active listening needs conscious effort and there is no easy way around it. In order for our communication skills to improve, we cannot let our mind daydream or wander while we are in a conversation but to keep actively interpret the proper message and make meaning out of what the other person is saying. The main point of listening in the first place would be to get a meaning, a correct one of course, out of the other party. Therefore poor listening skills can lead to misunderstandings which can destroy even very close relationships.

As a conclusion, good listeners are usually some of the best speakers because they have taken the effort and spend time to find out and understand what others are interested in,also the main points others are trying to make. By understanding what is important to other people, then only we can reach them.

by Leong Sze Huang

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