LISTENING: MEANING, IMPORTANCE AND GUIDELINES

MEANING AND NATURE OF LISTENING 

अगर  ये टॉपिक छूट गया है तो आप वीडियो की सहायता से आसान भाषा में इसे समझ सकते हैं।

Listening: 

Listening is a skill in which the brain receives and interprets sound signals to understand the meaning of these signals. It is one of the four important language skills.

It can be developed by regular practice - consciously, carefully, and systematically. Interpretation of a message depends on the listener’s knowledge of the language & signals. Listening also depends on the listener's attitude toward the speaker.

Active listening

Active listening involves hearing with full attention, understanding messages completely, and responding to the speaker. It is one of the four communication skills. The listener also observes verbal and non-verbal messages and then provides suitable feedback to the speaker.

 Importance/significance of Active (effective) Listening 

1. Active listening enhances the information and knowledge bank of listeners. It helps him make better policies, make correct decisions, and solve problems & grievances.
2. Active listening sets the foundation of conversation in all settings- at work, at home, in social contexts, etc. It helps in developing interpersonal relations with team members and colleagues, etc.
3. Active listening helps in engaging the attention of the listener. it helps him payinf undivided attention to his work.
4. Active listening helps a listener in responding empathetically. It helps him to win the confidence and trust of others.
5. Active listening helps to develop good relationships with the speaker. it helps him
6. Active listening gives emotional support to the speaker.

Importance of Active Listening for a Leader 

Active listening also helps in the workplace in many ways-

1. Listeners can make better policies, correct decisions, and solve problems & grievances.
2. Effective listening helps to know and understand the activities of the competing organizations, also.
3. Effective listening in the same workplace helps to find false rumors that may damage the healthy environment and the reputation of the organization.
4. Effective listening creates a pleasing atmosphere for coordination among various departments at the workplace.
5. It helps to get constructive suggestions from the employees.
6. Effective listening helps to raise the employees' morale and creates a sense of togetherness.
7. Effective listening welcomes subordinates in the decision-making process and they contribute new schemes & useful suggestions.

Purposes of Active Listening

1. Active listening builds trust.
2. Active listening helps to understand the speaker’s situation and feelings.
3. Active listening removes doubts; hence, reducing any misunderstanding.
4. Active listening establishes clarity in communication between speaker and listener.
5. Active listening seeks a complete understanding of a message.
6. Active listening helps to continue an effective conversation.

(How can we improve/enhance  listening Skills)

Guidelines for effective listening

1. Paying attention to non-verbal cues
Pay attention to speaker's body language and tone of voice. It can help a listener understand what the speaker is thinking and feeling.
2. Making eye contact
Eye contact helps reduce distracting thoughts. It's important to maintain eye contact to listening carefully.
3. Asking questions
This technique helps you ensure you've heard the correct information. It can also help you demonstrate interest in what the speaker is saying.
4. Being focused
Focus will help a listener improving listening as it help to remember keywords when you listen for long periods.
5. Limiting judgments
Listen without criticizing the speaker in mind while they talk. Try to avoid thinking about negative or judgmental comments because this compromises the ability to listen.
6. Being non-interruptive
For good listening skills, a listener must not interrupt. It is also important to refrain from offering solutions. Just try to listen and wait for the pause.
7. Wait for a pause to ask questions
Listener may not understand everything someone says. It is best to wait until they pause to ask them to back up and provide clarification for the topic or phrase you misunderstood.
8. Ask clarifying questions
Asking clarifying questions keeps the conversation on topic. Focus on questions related to your understanding rather than irrelevant ones. When done without interrupting, these questions show you are listening, attentive, and open to further discussion.
9. Be curious
Always try to find something new from a lecture. Try to explore more. It will help listening skills and getting more knowledge.
10. Empathize with the speaker
Empathy is essential to effective listening. Listener should mirror the emotions the speaker has-sad or joy or excitement. Empathizing allows for open communication and establishes relationships.
11. Keeping distractions away
Listener must keep all the distractions away- whether physical, emotional. Never allow boredom, enthusiasm or irritation distract you. Keep your mobile etc away while listening others.
12. Provide the speaker with feedback
Giving feedback to listening makes a listener more attentive during the sessions. Try to response time to time through nonverbal also. A listener may smile or nod or say ‘Ok’ to respond to speaker.
13. Make note
Practice note making while listening to someone. It helps understanding and improves listening Skills.
14. Practice listening
Listening to TED Talks, audiobooks or podcasts without text. Use short clips of up to four minutes and replay them to test your retention.

Few Important Questions

Q. Define the art of listening, its importance, and guidelines to improve it.

Q. Explain the art of Listening.

Q. How can you improve your listening skills?

Q. Write the tips to improve your listening skills.