among the principles in listening, which one for you is more important? why?
Answer (1)
Answer:Active Listening is where you make a conscious effort to hear not only the words that another person is saying but, more importantly, the complete message being communicated.In order to do this, you must pay attention to the other person very carefully. You cannot allow yourself to become distracted by whatever else may be going on around you, or by forming counterarguments while the other person is still speaking. Nor can you allow yourself to get bored, and lose focus on what the other person is saying.: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 to stay focused.To enhance your listening skills, you need to let the other person know that you are listening to what they're saying.Acknowledgment can be something as simple as a nod of the head or a simple "uh huh." You aren't necessarily agreeing with the person, you are simply indicating that you are listening. Using body language and other signs to acknowledge you are listening can also help you to pay attention.Try to respond to the speaker in a way that will encourage them to continue speaking, so that you can get the information that you need. While nodding and "uh huhing" says you're interested, an occasional question or comment to recap what has been said also communicates that you are listening and understanding the message.The Benefits of Active ListeningTo understand the importance of active listening, ask yourself if you've ever had a conversation when you wondered if the other person was listening to what you were saying. You wonder if your message is getting across, or if it's even worthwhile continuing to speak. It feels like talking to a brick wall and it's something you want to avoid.By becoming a better listener, you can improve your productivity and your ability to influence, persuade, and negotiate. What's more, you'll avoid conflict and misunderstandings. All of these are necessary for workplace success!Tip:Be aware that active listening can give others the impression that you agree with them even if you don't. It’s also important to avoid using active listening as a checklist of actions to follow, rather than really listening. It may help to practice Mindful Listening if you find that you lose focus regularly.Top Tips for Active ListeningThere are five key active listening techniques you can use to help you become a more effective listener:1. Pay AttentionGive the speaker your undivided attention, and acknowledge the message. Recognize that non-verbal communication also "speaks" loudly.Look at the speaker directly.Put aside distracting thoughts.Don't mentally prepare a rebuttal!Avoid being distracted by environmental factors. For example, side conversations."Listen" to the speaker's body language.2. Show That You're ListeningUse your own body language and gestures to show that you are engaged.Nod occasionally.Smile and use other facial expressions.Make sure that your posture is open and interested.Encourage the speaker to continue with small verbal comments like yes, and "uh huh."3. Provide FeedbackOur personal filters, assumptions, judgments, and beliefs can distort what we hear. As a listener, your role is to understand what is being said. This may require you to reflect on what is being said and to ask questions.Reflect on what has been said by paraphrasing. "What I'm hearing is... ," and "Sounds like you are saying... ," are great ways to reflect back.Ask questions to clarify certain points. "What do you mean when you say... ." "Is this what you mean?"Summarize the speaker's comments periodically.Top Tips for Active ListeningThere are five key active listening techniques you can use to help you become a more effective listener:1. Pay AttentionGive the speaker your undivided attention, and acknowledge the message. Recognize that non-verbal communication also "speaks" loudly.Look at the speaker directly.Put aside distracting thoughts.Don't mentally prepare a rebuttal!Avoid being distracted by environmental factors. For example, side conversations."Listen" to the speaker's body language.2. Show That You're ListeningUse your own body language and gestures to show that you are engaged.Nod occasionally.Smile and use other facial expressions.Make sure that your posture is open and interested.Encourage the speaker to continue with small verbal comments like yes, and "uh huh."3. Provide FeedbackOur personal filters, assumptions, judgments, and beliefs can distort what we hear. As a listener, your role is to understand what is being said. This may require you to reflect on what is being said and to ask questions.Reflect on what has been said by paraphrasing. "What I'm hearing is... ," and "Sounds like you are saying... ," are great ways to reflect back.Ask questions to clarify certain points. "What do you mean when you say... ." "Is this what you mean?"Summarize the speaker's comments periodically.
