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 Q.1. Define hearing and how it is different from listening.

Ans. Hearing is a natural process of receiving sound waves through ears. But listening is one of the four important language skills and is a mode of communication in which sound signals are received and interpreted by the brain to understand the meaning of these signals.

Q.2 Define listening and how it is different from hearing.

Ans. Listening is one of the four important language skills and is a mode of communication in which sound signals are received and interpreted by the brain to understand the meaning of these signals. But hearing is a natural process of receiving sound waves through ears.

Q.3. Differentiate between hearing and listening.

Ans.

Listening:

Listening is a skill to receive, and interpret (understanding) messages correctly. It can be enhanced by regular practice. It plays a very important role in the process of communication.

Hearing: Hearing is a natural process of receiving sound waves through ears.

Difference between hearing and listening-

HEARING	LISTENING
Hearing is an activity of receiving sound-waves through ear.	Listening is an activity of hearing sound-waves then analyzing and understanding it.
It is ability.	It is a skill.
It is a continuous activity.	It is temporary. We listen only when we care about sounds.
It happens at subconscious level.	It happens at conscious level.
It just happens all the time – whether someone likes it or not.	Listening requires concentration so that brain can understand meaning of sound and spoken words.
Hearing simply happens.	Listening leads to learning.
Hearing uses only ears.	Listening uses different senses, like the sense of hearing, seeing, or sense of touch.
Hearing is an involuntary act.	Listening is a voluntary skill where brain tries to understand the meaning of sound.
Concentration is not required for hearing.	Concentration is required for listening.
It involves Physiology (Only ear).	It involves Psychology, also (active brain).

 

Q.4. Define listening, it is important, and guidelines to improve it.

OR Explain art of Listening.

Ans. Listening: Listening is one of the four important language skills and is a mode of communication in which sound signals are received and interpreted by the brain to understand the meaning of these signals.

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 towards the speaker.

Importance/significance of listening for a professional leader/manager

1.  Effective listening enhances the information and knowledge bank of listeners.

2.  Listener can make better policies, take correct decisions, and solve problems & grievances.

3.  Effective listening helps to know and understand the activities of the competing organizations, also.

4.  Effective listening at the same workplace helps to find out false rumors that may damage the healthy environment, and the reputation of the organization.

5.  Effective listening creates a pleasing atmosphere for coordination among various departments at the workplace.

6.  It helps to get constructive suggestions from the employees.

7.  Effective listening helps to raise the morale of the employees and creates sense of togetherness.

8.  Effective listening welcomes subordinates in the decision-making process and they can introduce new schemes and useful suggestions to the manager.

Guidelines for effective listening:

a)   Listen patiently to the speaker without judging it wrong or irrelevant.

b)   Simply use body language- like nodding your head and smiling,

c)    Give attention while listening and trying to understand the feeling of the speaker.

d)   Encourage the speaker to talk continuously.

e)    Keep tone neutral while giving a response and don't lead the speaker forcefully in a desired way.

f)    Give time for discussion to continue speech without interruption.

g)   Avoid direct questions and arguments during listening.

h)   Repeat the statement as a question when further clarification is required.

i)    Try to listen to the changing tone & volume of voice to find the real meaning.

j)    Concentrate on the speaker's facial expressions, gestures, and body movements.

k)   Don't merge official communication when listening for other purposes.

l)    Listen more and speak less.

Q.5. What should be the qualities of a listener?

OR what are the traits of a good listener.

Ans. Traits  of a good listeners

'Traits' means 'qualities'. A listener must have certain qualities so that he can understand the sounds and words correctly. Effective listening results in good responses, better understanding, and healthy relationships. A good listener must have the following qualities-

 

1. Focused-'Being focused means understanding the central point of something.' 

A listener should be focused when listening to the speaker. He should maintain good eye contact to show his focus. This will help him to understand speech better. He must not care much about 'how to react' rather he should listen, process, and understand. He should listen to comprehend, not to respond. 

2. Attentive

Being attentive means 'listening or watching carefully'. A listener must be engaged in the current moment instead of remembering the past or thinking the next. The listener should avoid all distractions, including phones and other people. 

3. Without Expectation

A good listener must listen without any expectations. He should not be attached to a certain outcome. He should allow the speaker to speak freely. Any expectation by the listener may force the conversation in the listener's desired direction. He must accept the conversation as it goes naturally. 

4. Not be an attention seeker

'Attention seeker means a person who tries to get attention, typically in an inappropriate (wrong) manner.'

A good listener may help the speaker whenever he is stuck somewhere. But he shouldn’t start over helping. A good listener must know when to offer help and he must not to rush to add something to the speaker's thoughts. He must not take attention away from the speaker.

5. Ready to Respond

A good listener must be ready to respond to the speaker either through positive body language or through words. Both ways boost the energy of the speaker. Remember, the listener should respond responsibly not with a critical (and often wrong or harsh) mind. A listener's honest response prepares a smooth environment for building good relation with speaker.

6. Listen more and speak less

A good listener must not show his knowledge while listening. Instead, he must focus on speech, and respond when necessary.  He mustn’t aim to dominate the conversation but rather tries to listen even more than he listens.

7. Use positive body gestures

A listener must show his positive response even through his body language. This may include smile, posture, facial expression, nodding, etc. It encourages the speaker to continue. One of the best ways to show attentive listening is to keep eye contact with the speaker. These nonverbal cues have an especially important place in listening. 

8. Don’t interrupt

It’s frustrating for a speaker to speak and constantly get interruptions by listeners. A listener must not interrupt the speaker in the mid. Unnecessary interruption may become the reason for losing an argument or train of thought or even getting the whole point derailed and forgotten. A good listener understands this fury and simply listens until the speaker completes his point. If he is confused, he asks after the speaker has made his point. 

9. Ask follow-up questions

An important part of listening is engagement with the speaker. Listener must ask follow-up questions after the speech of the speaker. Good listener encourages the speaker by asking relevant questions. He tries to get more detail. He must clear his doubt by asking questions.

10. Listen to learn

Good listener believes in learning something new from each speech. He actively listens to understand new information ask the speaker to elaborate. He remains interested and invested time in each meeting.

11. Patient

A good listener must not haste to judge the speaker and speech. He must wait until the speaker finishes his point of view. Patience makes a person a good listener. 

12. Curious to know

Curious means 'finding more about anything'. A good listener is genuinely curious and wants to find out more from the speech. He wants answers, and he is excited about how the speaker will handle his queries.

13. Summarize after listening

A good listener must prepare a summary of the speech. This helps highlight important moments any outstanding issues. It helps a listener for future references related to this topic.

Q.6. Define various modes of listening.

OR explain various types of modes of listening and their features.

Ans.  Modes of Listening

Listening is the process of receiving, and interpreting sound signals (messages) received from the sender. Listening is one of the skills of communication. It can be developed by practicing regularly. Various methods of listening are, also, called modes of listening.

Types of modes of listening-

a)       Disengaged Listening – Disengaged mode of listening means the listener's body is present but his mind is not present during the communication. He hears the words but he is not really listening because his mind is on something else. For example- a student sitting in the class but by mind he is busy in a friend's birthday planning. Hence, he cannot listen.

Main feature of disengaged listening is only physical presence of the listener.

b)       Competitive/ Combative Listening – Combative mode of listening means the listener is listening but he is also proving himself better than the speaker. For example- In the horizontal level meeting (all are at the same level) everybody wants to prove himself more knowledgeable than the other. They listen less but speak more. They want to prove their point rather than listening other.

Main features of Competitive listening are speaking more than listening and over powering the speaker.

c)        Active Listening- Active mode of listening (as the name suggests) is very attentive listening. The listener carefully listens to the speaker and continuously engaged with the speaker. Active Listening involves full attention to the speaker. Listener shows his interest through facial expressions, body language, by asking questions time to time etc. It makes communication effective and fruitful.

Main features of active listening are proper feedback and learning.

d)       Passive Listening– Passive mode of listening means a listener listens carefully and seeks to understand but he doesn't ask any questions to the speaker. He also doesn't respond to the questions. Neither he shows his interest in the conversation. For Example- In a group, few people sit there, only to listen but they never take part in the conversation.

Main feature of passive listening is avoiding feedback by the listener.

Q.7. Define the combative mode of listening.

e)       Ans. Competitive/ Combative Listening – Combative mode of listening means the listener is listening but he is also proving himself better than the speaker. For example- In the horizontal level meeting (all are at the same level) everybody wants to prove himself more knowledgeable than the other. They listen less but speak more. They want to prove their point rather than listening other.

Main features of Competitive listening are speaking more than listening and over powering the speaker.

 

Q.8. Define the active mode of listening.

f)        Ans. Active Listening- Active mode of listening (as the name suggests) is very attentive listening. The listener carefully listens to the speaker and continuously engaged with the speaker. Active Listening involves full attention to the speaker. Listener shows his interest through facial expressions, body language, by asking questions time to time etc. It makes communication effective and fruitful.

Main features of active listening are proper feedback and learning.

 

 

Q.9. Define the passive mode of listening.

g)       Ans. Passive Listening– Passive mode of listening means a listener listens carefully and seeks to understand but he doesn't ask any questions to the speaker. He also doesn't respond to the questions. Neither he shows his interest in the conversation. For Example- In a group, few people sit there, only to listen but they never take part in the conversation.

Main feature of passive listening is avoiding feedback by the listener.

 

Q.10. Define the disengaged mode of listening.

Ans. Disengaged Listening – Disengaged mode of listening means the listener's body is present but his mind is not present during the communication. He hears the words but he is not really listening because his mind is on something else. For example- a student sitting in the class but by mind he is busy in a friend's birthday planning. Hence, he cannot listen.

Main feature of disengaged listening is only physical presence of the listener

Q.11. Differentiate between active and passive modes of listening.

Ans.

Active listening	Passive listening
Listener is very active.	Listener is not active.
Listener gives proper feedback to speaker	Listener doesn’t give feedback.
Doubts and enquiries are asked.	No query from listener.

 

 

Q.12. Differentiate between passive and disengaged modes of listening.

Ans.

Passive listening	Disengaged listening
Listener is present by mind and body.	Listener is present only by body.
Listener doesn’t give feedback.	Listener doesn’t listen.
No query from listener.	Listener is busy in his thoughts.

 

Q.13. What do you mean by Note taking?

Ans. Note taking is the process of preparing notes while listening a lecture. Note taking is done by listener. It is a very common practice when listener attends either a meeting in an office or a lecture in a college. It helps record information from different speeches. By taking notes, the listener records the important points of the information and keeps it for future reference. Traditionally, notes are always handwritten but now-a-days notes are also taken through notetaking software. Note-taking is a foundational skill in personal knowledge management.

 

Importance of Note-Taking

        i.     To record of lectures for future study and review.

        ii.     To implant the material in the mind.

       iii.     To make listeners more attentive.

       iv.     To study when shortage of time.

        v.     To retain more about the lecture.

       vi.     To revise information. 

Basic rules for Note-Taking

Note-taking is a personal thing and there is no fixed technique for it but there are three basic rules that can help note-taking quicker and more efficiently:

   i.            Be selective – write only important points

   ii.            Be brief - use abbreviations and symbols

  iii.            Be clear - Find relationship between the speaker’s points.

How to Take Good Lecture Notes/Suggestions/Guidlines for Taking Notes:

Notes are very important assets to prepare for an examination or for future reference. Notes are very helpful at the last time revision. Hence, these must be written carefully

   i.     Write in good handwriting.

   ii.     Write in neat, attractive, and easy-to-understand format.

  iii.     Indicate the main points of the lecture.

  iv.     show the relationship of the sub-heading to the main headings.

   v.     Include important illustrative detail to enrich notes and content.

  vi.     Use good stationery like ink and a notebook. 

 vii.     Mention the date and page number.

viii.     Leave wide margins to show the relationships of ideas to each other.

  ix.     Use notetaking shorthand techniques like

a.   Don’t use complete sentences.

b.  Use symbols not complete words.

c.   Use abbreviation and creative spelling. 

   x.     Listen more than writing because All lecturers repeat many things at many times.

  xi.     Don’t decorate notes otherwise, you cannot concentrate on listening.

 xii.     Use numbers in notes, if needed.

xiii.     Read notes as soon as possible, after the lecture, to fix handwriting, spelling, and clarity.

Q.14. What do you mean by Note taking also write various methods of note taking.

Ans. Note taking is the process of preparing notes while listening a lecture. It is done by listener. It is a very common practice when listener attends either a meeting in an office or a lecture in a college. It helps record information from different speeches. By taking notes, the listener records the important points of the information and keeps it for future reference. Traditionally, notes are always handwritten but now-a-days notes are also taken through notetaking software. Note-taking is a foundational skill in personal knowledge management.

Methods of Note-Taking

There is no fixed method of taking notes of a lecture. Note-taking can be done in any way that is easier for a listener. Some of the methods are as follows-

1.     Linear method

2.     Outline method

3.     Sentence method

4.      Charting

5.      Mapping

6.     Cornell Notes

Now, we will discuss each method one by one-

1.     Linear method

The method of note taking in which notes are written as the information is received is called linear method of note taking. It is a simple means of taking notes. Notes are written as the information is received. It may include chronological outlines of a lecture This method required a higher potential of listening and noting everything. It is difficult for slow writers.

2.     Outline method

The method of note taking in which heading and subheading are written is called outline method of note taking. It is an easy method. Notes are organized in a structured, and logical manner with the help of bullet points.  Bullet points includes- Roman numerals, letters of the alphabet, and Arabic numerals. Due to headings and subheading, a lot of information can be reviewed in a short period of time.

This method has a limitation that a writer cannot add anything in the middle of numbers or listener has to leave a bigger space after every number to add anything later.

3.     Sentence method

The sentence note-taking is simply writing down each topic as a short, simple sentence. It is helpful in fast-paced lessons where a lot of information is being covered. The note-taker records every new thought, fact, or topic on a separate line but the notes are not organized into heading and subheadings. Numbers or bullets are used to show the beginning of a new thought.

4.     Charting

The method of note taking in which notes are prepared with the help of a chart to show relation among various points is called charting method of note taking. It is useful for a topic that has different categories, such as similarities, differences, date, event, impact, etc. Listener may review and rewrite notes using the charting method. It includes flow charts, tables, frames, etc.

5.     Mapping

The method of note taking in which spatial organization and diagrams are used to write information is called mapping method of note taking. The main point is kept in the center of the page and then branches outward to mention all the ideas connected to that central topic. Colors, small graphics, symbols, etc. are often used to help to visualize the information more easily.

6.     Cornell Notes

Walter Pauk of Cornell University developed this method of note-taking. It consists of dividing a single page into three sections: a right-hand column for notes, a left-hand column for cues, and a strip at the bottom for a summary. Cues are keywords or questions that help evoke key aspects of the topic. This method is used for mathematics or chemistry, physics, etc where formulas and graphs are used.

 

LAYOUT OF FOR CORNELL NOTETAKING:

Subject:                                                                                 date: Chapter/lecture:.
Cues column: questions or keywords	notes
summary

 

Q.15. Describe various types of listening.

Ans.
Listening- Listening is a skill to receive, and interpret (understanding) messages correctly. It can be enhanced by regular practice. It plays a very important role in the process of communication. There are different situations and different kinds of listening-

   i.     Informational listening

The listening that is done to get information and learn something is called informational listening. It usually takes a high level of concentration. Listener can learn some new concepts. Some examples of informational listening include:

a)     Work training

b)     Self-paced learning at home or at work

c)     Listening to an educational e-book

d)     attending lectures

Advantages of informational learning

a)     It makes listener a better learner.

b)     It enhances active participation.

c)     It updates knowledge and increase interaction with others.

    ii.          Discriminative listening

The listening in which different listener gives more importance to sounds rather than only words is called discriminative listening. It is the first listening type that everybody born with. Everyone innately has discriminative listening skills. It depends on paralinguistic features of voice to understand meaning and intention of the speaker. Example- When watching a foreign language movie, we can understand the intention of the speaker by tone, style, etc though we don’t know the language.

Advantages of discriminative listening

a)     It helps listener to read the speaker’s mindset.

b)     It helps listener to understand more than the words.

c)     It helps listener to realize the actual scene behind words.

d)     It helps listener to hear what remains unspoken.

  iii.          Comprehensive listening

Unlike discriminative listening, Comprehensive listening requires basic language skills and vocabulary to understand what is being communicated through a speaker’s words. This type of listening is usually developed in early childhood and goes on life long. People use comprehensive listening to understand the meaning of the used words. It is the overall category that covers most other forms of listening that critical listeners utilize.

Advantages of comprehensive listening

a)     Several other types of listening build on comprehensive listening.

b)     To find the exact meaning of the message.

c)     To analyze and understand complex calculations, technical as well as scientific articles.

d)     It is used to receive feedback.

e)     Paralanguage may cheat but words donot.

  iv.           Sympathetic listening

Sympathetic listening is driven by emotion. Instead of focusing on the message spoken through words, the listener focuses on the feelings and emotions of the speaker.

Advantages of Sympathetic listening

a)     To provide support and sympathize with the situation of the speaker.

b)     To understand how they are feeling.

c)     To win trust and confidence of speaker.

d)     To build a deeper relationship with the speaker.

e)     To remove stress and frustration at home and at workplace.

     v.          Empathetic or Therapeutic listening

Empathetic listening is helpful to see a problem from other people’s perspectives.Using this type of listening, you can try to understand someone else’s point of view as they’re speaking. You can also try to imagine yourself in the other person’s shoes. Instead of just focusing on their message, you can use empathetic listening to relate to someone else’s experiences as if they were your own. This is different from sympathetic listening.

Advantages of Empathetic listening

a)     It helps you to tackle with the problem.

b)     It helps the listener to avoid unnecessary guess.

c)     It helps to focus on the real intention of the speaker rather than doubting.

d)     It helps to lead an unbiased professional and personal life.

  vi.          Critical Listening 

If you need to analyze complex information, you’ll need to use critical listening. It goes deeper than comprehensive listening. Instead of taking the information at face value, listener can use critical listening to evaluate what’s being said. Listener  needs to look at the bigger picture and compare everything he knows.

Advantages of Critical Listening 

a)     Critical listening is crucial when problem-solving at work. 

b)     It helps to choose how to handle an unusual and complex client request.

c)     It helps to analyze solutions offered by other people and decide if you agree or not. 

vii.          Biased listening/Selective Listening

Biased listening is also known as selective listening. Someone who uses biased listening will only listen for information that they specifically want to hear. This listening process can lead to a distortion of facts. That’s because the person listening isn’t fully in tune with what the speaker wishes to communicate.

Disadvantages of Biased Listening

a)     It interrupts the communication cycle.

b)     It does not help in future conversation.

c)     Only selective information is passed.

viii.          Appreciative Listening

Listening for enjoyment is called appreciative listening. We do appreciative listening to enjoy music, hymns worship, a motivational speech, standup comedy etc. The choice of the listener varies from person to person.

Advantages of Appreciative listening

a)     It is used to enjoy the favourite things.

b)     It is used to reduce stress and tension.

c)     It is used for self-pleasure.

d)     It may bring positive results.

  ix.          Active Listening

Active listening as the name suggests is very attentive listening. Listener carefully listens the speaker and respond accordingly to lead the conversation further.

Active Listening involves full attention to the speaker, showing interest through expressions, body language and asking questions at timely intervals, to make a good conversation.

Advantages of Active Listening

a)     It gives a positive environment for communication.

b)     It helps to continue conversation.

c)     It enhances speaker to open his feelings and share his thoughts.

d)     It creates a good rapport between speaker and listener.

     x.          Passive Listener

Passive Listening means listening to the speaker during the communication in an unconscious manner. Listener sits quietly without responding to the speaker. It is silent and patient listening, wherein the listener neither interrupts nor participates in the conversation.

Disadvantages of Passive Listener

a)     The message is not absorbed by the listeners; hence communication is ineffective.

b)     Listener cannot recall communication in future.

  xi.          Intuitive  Listening

Intuitive listening means the ability to read between the lines, to pick up on the unspoken clues that hint at a larger story behind the words. It is the combination of conscious, unconscious and spirit-generated responses to what we hear.

Advantages of Intuitive Listening

a)     Listeners can make better decisions,

b)     it is used to build stronger relationships.

c)     It is used to resolve problems more quickly.

xii.          False listening:

false listening is the process in which listener appears to be listening but not actually involved in the listening process, interpretation & understanding the message. They make the speaker believe that they are listening. They also exhibit eagerness and intense look and try to put periodic comment or a question, which is the usual technique.

GUIDELINES TO EFFECTIVE LISTENING:

a)      Listen patiently to what the speaker has to say even though believe it to be wrong or irrelevant.

b)     Indicate simple acceptance by nodding your head or perhaps interjecting an occasional “um-um” or “I see”.

c)      Give attention carefully while listening and try to understand the feeling of speaker as expressing intellectual contents.

d)     Try to restate the feeling briefly & accurately and encourage the speaker to continue talking.

e)     Keep your tone neutral while making summary response and don‟t try to lead the speaker to your pet conclusions.

f)       Allow time for discussion to continue speech without interruption and try to separate the conversation from mere official communication of your plans.

g)      Avoid direct questions and arguments about facts and refrain from saying like „prove it‟, „hold on a minute‟ or „let‟s look at the facts‟. You may want to review the evidence later because you may irrelevant and speaker may feels bad or may discouraged.

h)     When you want to know more about the point, the speaker does touch upon, simply repeat statement as a question.

i)       Try to listen “between the lines”, because speaker does not always put everything in to words even it is important. Speakers‟ changing tone & volume of voice may have a meaning. So listener should listen attentively and concentrate on speakers‟ facial expressions, gestures and body movement.

j)       To achieve the better results, listener should give more emphasis to listening and less emphasis on explaining the facts.

Short answer questions-