Listening Skills
Effective listening is an intentional act that involves understanding and responding to speakers. It encompasses various forms, such as active listening, empathetic listening, and critical listening, while also identifying and overcoming barriers. Skill improvement can enhance communication, foster relationships, and reduce misunderstandings.
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Sections
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What we have learnt
- Listening is a conscious, intentional act that involves understanding and responding.
- Active and empathetic listening are key to effective communication.
- Barriers can be physical, emotional, or cultural—and must be overcome with practice.
- Improving listening enhances relationships, reduces misunderstandings, and boosts collaboration.
Key Concepts
- -- Hearing
- The passive act of perceiving sound, which requires no effort or intention.
- -- Listening
- The active process of making meaning from sound requiring attention, focus, and understanding.
- -- Active Listening
- Fully attending to the speaker with verbal and non-verbal feedback, confirming understanding by paraphrasing or asking questions.
- -- Empathetic Listening
- Listening to understand the speaker’s emotions and perspectives, involving compassion and withholding judgment.
- -- Critical Listening
- Analyzing and evaluating the message for logic and reasoning, important in debates and decision-making.
- -- Barriers to Listening
- Factors that hinder effective listening, including physical noise, psychological distractions, language barriers, emotional reactions, and cultural differences.
Additional Learning Materials
Supplementary resources to enhance your learning experience.