Many people especially students, they think they are good listeners whereas in the real sense they are not listening to the information or message but they are also hearing it. Being a good listener is a skill that should be developed and even practiced. Being a good listener you need to pay total attention to the information and also remain the focus. Listening is very important because it enhances our learning processes. Listening is the best method of understanding any message and also improves direction which helps our proper reaction.
However, there are three (3) types of listeners. The three listeners are;
– COMBATIVE LISTENER
A combative listener tends to nurture his or her point instead of understanding some else’s view. This type of listener only looks for flaws or mistakes of the speaker in order to take the floor. This type of listener is not good at all. Though, it may be useful during debates or arguments.
– PASSIVE LISTENER
As the name sounds, such listener is just passive and attentive. He listens to the speaker attentively but fails to verify the validity of the source or information of the speaker. In another way round, this type of listener does not even contribute a single word to the discussion on ground. A passive listener is said to be neither combative nor active. This type of listener lacks creativity.
– ACTIVE LISTENER
Finally, the best type of listener is being an active listener. This involves paying total attention and also contribute to the discussion on ground. This type of listener is neither passive nor combative. The active listener verifies the validity of the speaker’s claim which makes it different to a passive listener who does not care to know how true in the speaker’s message.
Over the months, I have discovered some ways that seem to be effective to become a good and active listener. Sincerely, people around me have noticed a change in me as a result of the application of the following ways I adopted. The effective ways are as follow;
1- MAKE EYE CONTACT
It is pertinent to maintain eye contact with the speaker. It is an effective way to get the message the speaker is delivering. Though many people struggle with this making of eye contact, it seems to be somehow staring at the speaker. The fact is that, try to maintain it by making eye contact. Soon, it shall be a skill you will develop.
2- REFRAIN FROM DISTRACTIONS
Distraction is one of the obstacles that hinders the ability of an individual to get the message of the speaker. Make sure you stay far away from any form of distraction in order to capture the information.
3- FOCUS
A focus is also a vital element that strengthens your ability to become a great listener. Let your focus be on what you are listening to. Kindly focus on a key point of the message.
4- BODY LANGUAGE OR GESTURE
Another important part is the reading of gesture or the body language of the speaker. Reading the speaker’s gesture and body language makes you comprehend the real meaning of the message of what is being delivered.
5- AVOID SIDE-TALKING
Side-talking is one of the main problems that hinders effective listening. Many students in the classroom fall into this trap. When the essential and important of the message is being passed then many are busy Side talking with friends or co-mates. Avoid this attitude if you tend to be a great listener.
6- AVOID COMBATIVE LISTENING
As defined above, combative listening is not in any form a good way to be a great listener. Listening in a combative or competitive manner shows such listener had prepared an attack ahead of delivery or wishes the speaker to make mistake so that he can take the floor.
7- DEFER YOUR JUDGEMENT
Don’t be in haste to judge the speaker. In addition, this attitude is a form of interruption during the talk which is not good at all. We are humans which are bound to make mistakes, so allow the speaker to finish his message before saying anything. Interruption while talking frustrates the speaker and also directly or indirectly hinders your level of understanding. Mind you, you neither gain nothing nor adding nothing by attacking the speaker, therefore, defer whatever your judgment about the speaker.
Finally, I think you have gained at least one or two things in this piece of work. Don’t be a selfish listeners or reader, for this kindly share it with other people on social media.
Hmm most time I try to create an eye contact and guess what it works perfectly thank you for the post
Mathias Amodu, thanks for the comment. Eye contact has been one of the major problems many faced but with time you can overcome this fear.
Listening is such a skill, but one that is truly great and so important. It was interesting to read about the different types.
Hannah Green, welcome to SABTrends. Really appreciate your contribution
lol, this post brought back memories. I took a class on active listening for a customer service job I used to have. I remember learning this stuff. Great tips!
I'm not a very good listener and although I took a class on it, I admit that I'm still not good at it at all. I hate making eye contact because it makes me very uncomfortable. 🙁
I am quite a decent active listener but I find it hard to keep eye contact or rather, I feel too much eye contact becomes awkward. Many times the speaker or the other party will keep looking at me and although I will try to keep up but at the same time zoned out because I felt totally intimidated. What an irony…
I am not a very good listener. Tend to filter out a lot of info. Thanks for the tips. Would try to work on them.
Oh, god, this take me back down memory lane! Active listening was a big issue for us in university (I studied journalism) so it was a paramount skill to work on. Your tips are absolutely spot on!
It's important to listen – not only to speak. And, indeed, there are many ways in which we can listen – a great synthesis here!
Welcome you all to SABTrends. I really appreciate the great and meaningful contributions you all made. Thanks for coming
Being a good listener is being able to fully grasp the message and contributing to the discussion. It's important that we give way to the speaker and then move on with the discussion.
Franc welcome to SABTrends. Thanjs for your comment
This is a great post. I realize that at certain times I am one of these types of listener. I like the last part though. Nowadays, we are quick to respond or judge before really listening – all ears and all heart – to someone. Before one can finish his sentence, we already have a reply in mind. I hope to correct myself whenever I get tempted to do this.
Being a great listening is important, especially in the workplace where communication is key. These are very good tips. Eye contact doesn't only show that you're listening, but it also shows that you have respect for the person you are talking to. These are all essential though, regardless of where you are.
Welcome Claire and Elizabeth. Thanks for visiting SABTrends and I also appreciate your meaningful contribution to this article.
Great post. Every inch of point listed above here all all relevant to our daily activities in all facets of life. I dislike when talking to someone and the body language portrays a distasteful notion. It pays to emulate and act on all the points you listed here.. Thank you!
We always focus on what the speaker should do to get his message across. However, the listener also has to do his part, or else no communication happens.
Welcome Fred and Leke Awonuga. Thanks for visiting SABTrends and I also appreciate your meaningful contributions to the article.
People appreciate when you listen too. You can sense it (or they tell you!).
Welcome Rose. Thanks for visiting SABTrends and I also appreciate your contribution.
Listening is indeed an art form and not many excel in it!!! A great listener I know is my guy. He is patient through all my rants!!!
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I like this article. With modern technology we sometimes forget to communicate properly. These are great tips to learn and relearn. I hope these tips work on my upcoming job interview. Wish me luck 🙂
Welcome Fred Experience. Thanks for visiting SABTrends and I also appreciate your meaningful contribution. I wish you best of luck in your next interview and I hope these tips will also help you.
Hmmm… One can learn to be a listener, but sometimes, i think some points above only make other people think he's a great listener, and not really one~
Welcome Tiffany Yong W.T. Thanks for visiting SABTrends and I also appreciate your contribution.
Thanks for the tips, I will try to be a better listeners next time. The most important is do not judge them when people are sharing their thoughts.
Welcome Sunshine Kelly. Thanks for visiting SABTrends and I also appreciate your meaningful contribution.