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Listening Skills

Listening skill is one of the most important skills in communication. Without the ability to listen attentively, messages can be easily misunderstood. Thus, Communication breaks down and the sender of the message can easily become frustrated or irritated. Some reasons why listening attentively is important are -

  • We listen to obtain information.
  • We listen to understand.
  • We listen to enjoy.
  • We listen to learn.
  • We listen to build and maintain relationships.
  • We listen to resolve conflicts.

Active Listening

It is a skill that involves fully focusing on what someone is saying, understanding it, and responding appropriately. It can help build trust and strong relationships.

notes of Communication-Skills for class 12

To be an active listener, following factors may affect the active listening are to be resolved:-

  • Eye contact: It is a form of body language. Maintaining an eye contact with the person you are talking means that you sends a signal to the speaker that “Yes, I am talkingto you or listening to you”. Avoiding eye contact could mean that you do not want to listen to the person speaking to you.
  • Gestures: These indicate to the speaker if you are listening or not. Keep your hand and feet still while talking to someone.
  • Avoiding distractions: You need to identify the things that distract you. You must physically remove the distractions in order to listen attentively.For example, reducing the ringtone of your mobile phone or switching it off while attending a meeting.
  • Giving feedback: Feedback can be positive or negative. But in both the cases, one needs to be polite so that the person to whom the feedback is being given is not hurt or offended.