Listening
Have you ever been in the middle of a
conversation when the person you are talking
to just gets up and walks away? Or fiddles in
the chair? Or looks everywhere but at you?
How does this make you feel? Most people
feel hurt. The listener acts as though he or
she has absolutely no interest in what the
speaker has to say. And yet, when it is their
turn to talk, they expect, if not demand,
attention.
Are you a good
listener or a bad
listener?
Lets take a look and see
which one you think you
are.
The good listener
Looks at the person
speaking
What would
you like for
tea tonight
my dear?
Answers in the correct way to
show that they have listened
Please could
I have a
lovely salad
Does not interrupt the
person speaking
I’ll wait until
he is finished
before I say
anything
I was just flying
down Lever Edge
Lane when
suddenly…
Does not rush the speaker
It’s ok just
take your
time
I’m not sure how
to say this
Asks appropriate questions
How many
countries are
there sir?
The world is
made up of
lots of
different
countries
Now lets look at
what a bad
listener would do
Does not look at
the person speaking
What would
you like for
tea tonight
my dear?
Does not answer in the
correct way
It’s outside in
the garden
Interrupts the person
speaking
Do you want
a game of
football
I was just flying
down Lever Edge
Lane when
suddenly…
Rushes the speaker
Hurry up I
haven’t
got all day
I’m not sure
how to say this
Doesn’t ask
appropriate questions
How many
eggs is half
a dozen?
The world is
made up of
lots of
different
countries
Here are some
tips for being a
good listener
1. Give your full attention on the person who is speaking.
2. Make sure your mind is focused. If you feel your mind
wandering, change the position of your body and try to
concentrate on the speaker’s words.
3. Let the speaker finish before you begin to talk.
4. Let yourself finish listening before you begin to speak.
5. Listen for main ideas. The main ideas are the most
important points the speaker wants to get across.
6. Ask questions. If you are not sure what the speaker has
said, just ask.
7. Give feedback. Sit up straight and look directly at the
speaker. Now and then, nod to show that you understand. At
appropriate points you may also smile, frown, laugh, or be
silent. These are all ways to let the speaker know that you are
really listening. Remember, you listen with your face as well as
your ears!
Thinking fast
Remember, time is on your side!
Thoughts move about four times as
fast as speech. With Practice,
while you are listening you will also
be able to think about what you
are hearing, really understand it,
and give feedback to the speaker.