Strategies For Effective Listening..
Hearing is passive: It means some sound has reverberated in your ear whether or not you wanted it to, and there's been a noise. Listening on the other hand, is an active process. It implies that you must do something to accomplish it. It takes action and often work to listen well. The first step to effective listening is to realize that listening takes effort. It won't happen by its own and its not something that is going to take place automatically, just by your being there. Go into situations where it is important for you to listen. Be determined to listen. and listen carefully. Concentrate it may be difficult at first, but in time you will get better.
- Face the speaker and maintain eye contact.
- Be attentive, bur relaxed.
- Keep an open mind.
- listen to the words and try to picture what the speaker is saying.
- Don't interrupt and don't impose your "solutions".
- Wait for the speaker to pause to ask clarifying questions.
- Ask questions only to ensure understanding.
- Try to feel what the speaker is feeling.
- Give the speaker regular feedback.
