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.