Effective listening skills makes for better communication.
Communication is vital among family members, in school, in social situations and in the workplace. Communication in the language arts involves listening, speaking, reading and writing. As children, we learn to listen before we speak, read or write. Developing effective listening skills is basic to building strong communication.
Instructions
Becoming an active listener
1. Become an active listener by becoming engaged in what you are hearing. Resist the urge to let the words "go in one ear and out the other" by not really paying attention. Even if something is on your mind, give the speaker your full attention. Taking notes as you listen can help you become an active listener.
2. Focus on the speaker and eliminate distractions. This might mean turning off your phone, turning down the music or making a conscious effort not to look out the window.
3. Pay attention to cues that the speaker gives you that important information is coming. The speaker might say, "The point is" or "To sum it up." When you hear phrases like that, it indicates that you should pay special attention to what comes next.
4. Watch the speaker to pick up nonverbal clues (sometimes called body language) that enhance his/her words. Listen for a change in tone of voice. Many speakers pause before making an important point, then speak louder and/or faster. Tone of voice can indicate the speaker's emotions.
5. Save your reaction for after you listen to the speaker. If you are focused on your reaction or response to the speaker before he/she finishes, you are not really actively listening to what the speaker has to say. Avoid interruptions and let the speaker finish with your full attention.
6. Check to make sure you understand the speaker correctly. This can be done easily by summarizing what the speaker communicated by restating the points in your own words. You might say, "So you think that such and such is the case." If you misinterpreted what you heard, you will be corrected. If you are truly confused, ask the speaker to repeat or explain.
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