I just read chapter 4. I read about the different components of listening, and the different context where listening is important, and the whole time I was reading it, I kept thinking, "..Yea.. and.. what do I DO about it?"
Then finally at the end, the chapter talked about what I wanted to hear. It talked about the different types of listeners and how to be a better listener. First it was talked about an empathic listener, and I thought, “That is so me!” And then I read on to what a deliberative listener is and I thought, “I do that too!” And with active listening, I do that as well. And I read on and the book said that the best kind of listener uses all three characteristics in appropriate times, so I was pretty happy with myself there!
I also liked the list at the end with 12 ideas to improve listening skills. I think I am very good at most of them. My biggest weakness is the “Avoid distractions” one, especially when I cannot relate to what I am listening to very well. Like today at the doctors, she was telling me all about something, and I felt like because it was a lot of medical jargon, I just could not concentrate and I did not take in everything she said. That’s what I have to work on with listening.
4 comments:
Sorry guys, didn't mean to write so huge :)
Hi Aleks!
I would have to say my biggest weakness is “avoid distractions” as well. Since I am a business major I have to take a few accounting classes and sometimes it is really difficult for me to pay attention to the lectures. I can never relate to any of the accounting material, so I am easily distracted in that class. When I cannot relate to the topics, it makes listening and paying attention more difficult.
I can also relate to your doctor experience. I once went to the hospital with my mom because she had severe migraines and when the doctor was explaining the cause of them it was just way too much information for me to handle at the time.
Hi Aleks,
I as well can understand where you are coming from because being distracted by something that interest a person is hard to avoid especially when you are involved in a conversation that is boring or you may feel is unimportant to you.Furthermore, i have a friend that is too smart for his own good and when he talk talks it seems like he has got the book of big words in his head and usually loses me by his second sentence.
ADHD and I go hand in hand. So I am with you on the same page regarding avoiding distractions. I have a love for shiny objects, bubbles, and people watching. All of which are completely distracting when I have someone trying to tell me a story. However, I've learned that if I focus on their lips, eyes, or nose, I am less likely let those distractions get to me. And also, when you engage in the conversation (following the new logo for the Comm Dept.: Listen. Speak. Engage.) you are able to ask questions, listen for ideas, and more while avoiding distractions.
However, the doctor jargon is an issue. The speech code and rules doctors follow can make it difficult for the regular person to understand what is going on. Being unclear about medical issues because of jargon can be dangerous. Here again, engaging, asking questions, and avoiding any and all distractions to the best of one's ability almost seems vital.
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