Listening involves the skill of grasping and interpreting a message's genuine meaning. Remember that message reception is a vital link in the communication process.
- Listen Actively - Ask questions; paraphrase what is said
- Find areas of interest - Look for opportunities, new learning
- Resist distractions - Fight distractions; tolerated bad habits; know how to concentrate
- Capitalize on the fact that thought is faster than speech - Challenge, anticipate, summarize; listen between lines to tone of voice
- Be responsive - Nod; show interest, positive feedback
- Judge content, not delivery - Judge content; skip over delivery a errors
- Hold one's fire - Does not judge until comprehension is complete
- Listen for ideas - Listens to sentral themes
- Work at listening - Work hard; exhibit active body state, eye contact
- Exercise one's mind - Use heavier material as exercise for the mind
Source: Adapted from Sherman Okum, "How to Be a Better Listener", Nation's Business (August 1975)
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