LISTENING

Listening is the ability to accurately receive and interpret messages in the communication
process.

Listening is key to all effective communication. Without the ability to listen effectively,
messages are easily misunderstood. As a result, communication breaks down and the sender
of the message can easily become frustrated or irritated.

Listening is Not the Same as Hearing

Hearing refers to the sounds that enter your ears. It is a physical process that, provided you do
not have any hearing problems, happens automatically.

Listening, however, requires more than that: it requires focus and concentrated effort,
both mental and sometimes physical as well.

Listening means paying attention not only to the story, but how it is told, the use of language
and voice, and how the other person uses his or her body. In other words, it means being
aware of both verbal and non-verbal messages. Your ability to listen effectively depends on
the degree to which you perceive and understand these messages.

The Purpose of Listening

There is no doubt that effective listening is an extremely important life skill. Why is
listening so important?

Listening serves a number of possible purposes, and the purpose of listening will depend
on the situation and the nature of the communication.

1. To specifically focus on the messages being communicated, avoiding distractions and

preconceptions.

2. To gain a full and accurate understanding into the speakers point of view and ideas.

3. To critically assess what is being said.

4. To observe the non-verbal signals accompanying what is being said to enhance

understanding.

5. To show interest, concern and concentration.

6. To encourage the speaker to communicate fully, openly and honestly.

7. To develop a selflessness approach, putting the speaker first.

8. To arrive at a shared and agreed understanding and acceptance of both sides views.
Types of Listening in Communication Skills
There are several types of listening, each serving different purposes in various
communication scenarios. Understanding and practicing these types of listening can
significantly enhance one’s ability to connect with others and communicate effectively.

1. Active Listening

Active listening involves fully focusing on the speaker, giving them your undivided attention,
and responding thoughtfully. It requires the listener to engage with the speaker’s message,
showing verbal and non-verbal signs of attentiveness, such as nodding, maintaining eye
contact, and providing feedback. Active listening is often used in problem-solving, team
discussions, and one-on-one conversations where understanding and clarity are crucial.

2. Passive Listening

Passive listening occurs when the listener hears the words but does not engage or respond to
the speaker. It’s a more relaxed form of listening, often used in casual settings or when
information is being absorbed but not necessarily acted upon. While passive listening can be
useful in certain contexts, it may result in missing important details if overused, especially in
more critical discussions.

3. Critical Listening

Critical listening involves analyzing and evaluating the information being presented to
determine its validity or importance. This form of listening is particularly important in
decision-making processes, debates, or situations where you need to assess the quality of
arguments or ideas. Critical listeners focus on the facts, evidence, and reasoning behind the
speaker’s message before forming an opinion or taking action.

4. Empathetic Listening

Empathetic listening goes beyond understanding the words being spoken—it involves tuning
into the speaker’s emotions, feelings, and intentions. The goal of empathetic listening is to
provide emotional support and build a connection with the speaker. This type of listening is
especially important in counselling, conflict resolution, and personal relationships, where
emotional understanding is key to resolving issues or providing comfort.

5. Appreciative Listening

Appreciative listening focuses on enjoying the sounds and messages that are being delivered.
This type of listening is commonly associated with experiences like listening to music,
speeches, or storytelling, where the listener’s primary goal is to appreciate and enjoy the
content. It’s a passive, yet deeply satisfying form of listening, often used for relaxation or
entertainment.

6. Selective Listening

Selective listening occurs when the listener focuses only on certain parts of the conversation
that are of interest or importance to them, while ignoring the rest. While it can help in
filtering out unnecessary information, selective listening can be problematic in situations
where it’s essential to understand the full context, as it may lead to misunderstandings or
incomplete knowledge of the topic.

7. Informational Listening

Informational listening is focused on learning or gathering knowledge from the speaker. It is

common in educational or professional environments where the goal is to understand and
retain new information. Informational listening requires the listener to pay close attention to
the details, take notes, and ask clarifying questions if needed.

Different Forms of Listening

Listening doesn’t always involve just hearing the spoken words. It also includes
understanding non-verbal cues, context, and emotions. Different forms of listening take into
account both verbal and non-verbal elements of communication.
1. Non -Verbal Listening
Non-verbal listening involves paying attention to body language, facial expressions, tone of
voice, and other non-verbal cues. These signals often communicate more than words alone,
providing insights into the speaker’s true feelings or intentions. A listener may notice
discomfort, enthusiasm, or hesitation through these cues, helping them better understand the
message. For example, crossed arms may indicate defensiveness, while leaning in shows
interest and engagement.

2. Verbal and Non-Verbal Synchronization

Effective listening occurs when both verbal and non-verbal forms of communication are in
sync. A listener who understands not only the words but the emotions and attitudes behind
them can respond more appropriately. This synchronization is especially important in
sensitive conversations, such as negotiations or conflict resolution, where misinterpreting a
non-verbal cue could escalate a situation.

3. Contextual Listening
Contextual listening means understanding the broader context of the communication. This
involves considering the setting, background of the conversation, and any cultural or
situational factors that might influence how the speaker delivers their message. For instance,
the way someone communicates in a formal business meeting will differ from a casual chat
with friends. Understanding the context allows the listener to adjust their own responses to
suit the environment.
How to Develop Better Listening Skills?
Good listening skills can be developed with practice and intention. Here are a few practical
steps to enhance your listening abilities:
1. Be Present and Focused
Concentrating fully on the speaker is the first step toward better listening. Eliminate
distractions such as phones or other background noise, and avoid mentally preparing your
response while the other person is speaking. By being fully present, you show respect for the
speaker and increase your chances of fully understanding the message.

2. Improve Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence plays a key role in empathetic listening. By recognizing and
understanding both your own emotions and those of others, you can respond in ways that are
supportive and understanding. Practice observing the emotional cues in conversations, and
use that information to engage more meaningfully with the speaker.

3. Ask Clarifying Questions

Asking clarifying or follow-up questions shows that you are actively engaged in the
conversation. It also ensures that you have a clear understanding of what the speaker is trying
to convey. Phrases like “Could you explain that further?” or “What do you mean by that?”
encourage deeper dialogue and demonstrate active listening.

4. Practice Reflective Listening

Reflective listening involves summarizing or paraphrasing what the speaker has said to
confirm understanding. By repeating or rephrasing their message, you not only show that you
were listening but also create an opportunity for the speaker to correct any
misunderstandings.

Conclusion
Listening is a critical element of communication that requires more than just hearing words.
By understanding and applying different types of listening in various contexts—whether
active, empathetic, or critical—you can enhance your communication skills and build
stronger relationships. Through conscious effort, better emotional intelligence, and thoughtful
engagement, everyone can become a more effective listener

External Listening Barriers

External listening barriers are easier to manage than internal barriers. They include a variety
of environmental distractions that contribute to poor listening but that can usually be avoided
or minimized with simple corrections, like removing yourself from the interfering barrier or
removing the issue from the area that you are in. External barriers include

 Noise: Any external noise can be a barrier, like the sound of equipment running,
phones ringing, or other people having conversations.
 Visual Distractions: Visual distractions can be as simple as the scene outside a
window or the goings-on just beyond the glass walls of a nearby office.
 Physical Setting: An uncomfortable temperature, poor or non-existent seating, bad
odours, or distance between the listener and speaker can be an issue.
 Objects: Items like pocket change, pens, and jewellery are often fidgeted with while
listening.
  The Person Speaking: The person listening may become distracted by the other
person’s personal appearance, mannerisms, voice, or gestures.

Internal Listening Barriers

Internal listening barriers are more difficult to manage, as they reside inside the mind of the
listener. Removing these internal barriers requires a high level of self-awareness and
discipline on the part of the listener, like catching oneself before the mind starts to wander
and bringing full attention back to the speaker. Internal barriers include

 Anxiety: Anxiety can take place from competing personal worries and concerns.
 Self-Centeredness: This causes the listener to focus on his or her own thoughts rather
than the speaker’s words.
 Mental Laziness: Laziness creates an unwillingness to listen to complex or detailed
information.
 Boredom: Boredom stems from a lack of interest in the speaker’s subject matter.
 Sense of Superiority: A sense of superiority leads the listener to believe they have
nothing to learn from the speaker.
 Cognitive Dissonance: The listener hears only what he or she expects or moulds the
speaker’s message to conform to their own beliefs.
 Impatience: A listener can become impatient with a speaker who talks slowly or
draws out the message.