ListeningListeningHave 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?

Are you a good listener or a bad

listener?

Lets take a look and see which one you

think you are.

Lets take a look and see which one you

think you are.

The good listenerThe good listenerLooks at the person

speakingWhat would you like for tea tonight my dear?

Answers in the correct way to show that they have

listened

Answers in the correct way to show that they have

listened

Please could I have

a lovely salad

Does not interrupt the person speaking

Does not interrupt the person speaking

I was just flying down Lever Edge

Lane when suddenly…

I’ll wait until he is finished before I say

anything

Does not rush the speaker

Does not rush the speaker

I’m not sure how to say this

It’s ok just take your

time

Asks appropriate questions

Asks appropriate questions

The world is made up of

lots of different countries

How many countries are there

sir?

Now lets look at what a bad listener would

do

Now lets look at what a bad listener would

do

What would you like for tea tonight my dear?

Does not look at the person speaking

Does not look at the person speaking

Does not answer in the correct way

Does not answer in the correct way

It’s outside in the garden

Interrupts the person speaking

Interrupts the person speaking

I was just flying down Lever Edge

Lane when suddenly…

Do you want a

game of football

Rushes the speaker

Rushes the speaker

I’m not sure how to say

this

Hurry up I haven’t got all

day

Doesn’t ask appropriate questions

Doesn’t ask appropriate questions The world is

made up of lots of

different countries

How many eggs is half a dozen?

Here are some tips for being a good

listener

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 fastThinking fastRemember, 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.