Effective listening

Listening is a very important

skill
We

listen
We listen
We listen
We listen

to obtain information.
to understand.
for enjoyment.
to learn.

However, research suggests that we

remember between 25 percent and 50
percent of what we hear.

Solution: Active
listening
Active

listening is making a
conscious effort to hear not only the
words that the speaker is saying but,
more importantly, try to understand
the complete message being sent.

In

order to do this you must pay

attention to the other person very
carefully.

Ex. Gibberish

Solution: Active
listening
You

cannot allow yourself to become

distracted by whatever else may be
going on around you, or by forming
counter arguments or questions.

Nor

can you allow yourself to get

bored, and lose focus.

All

of these contribute to a lack of

listening and understanding.

Tips for active

listening
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Keep an open mind

Repeat it
Picture it
Reflect on it
Concentrate purposefully
Take notes
Ex. Riddles

Keep an open mind

Listen

without judging the other person or

mentally criticizing the things they tell you.
As soon as you indulge in judgmental
bemusements, youve compromised your
effectiveness as a listener.

Listen

without jumping to conclusions.

Remember that the speaker is using
language to represent the thoughts and
feelings inside their brain. You dont know
what those thoughts and feelings are and the
only way youll find out is by listening.

Repeat it
If

you're finding it particularly

difficult to concentrate on what
someone is saying, try repeating
their words mentally as they say
them this will reinforce their
message and help you stay focused.

Picture it
Allow

your mind to create a mental

model of the information being
communicated. Whether a literal
picture, or an arrangement of
abstract concepts, your brain will do
the necessary work if you stay
focused, with senses fully alert.

Ex. Family

Reflect on it
Since

we can think at about four times

the speed that speakers can speak, our
brains have a lot of capacity that can be
used to process the meaning of what's
being said.

Reflecting

is paraphrasing what you are

listening, and it helps understanding
and retention.

Concentrate
purposefully
When

listening for long stretches,

concentrate on, and remember, key
words and phrases.

Take notes
Dont

attempt to write everything down.

focus on the key ideas or main points.
Write clearly enough that you can
understand your writing later.
Circle or highlight the most important
points.
Some note-taking strategies: linear
outlining, mind-mapping, and key word
methodology.