1.3 Listening
Listening is as important as speaking. Remember – you probably hear more words than you speak. You do not remember every word, phrase or discussion, so how do you know what to use or remember, or what is important?
You probably listen attentively to the things that matter to you and ‘filter out’ the things that don’t matter so much. When you’re listening to things for entertainment, it may be just a bit annoying if you miss something, but in other situations it can be very important to hear all the right information.
Activity 9 What affects your listening?
Allow about 10 minutes
Select True or False for each of these statements.
1. Your thoughts can interfere with your listening.
2. You may resist listening to others who criticise, blame or get angry with you.
3. You are more likely to listen to people with whom you feel comfortable.
4. If you have something you can’t wait to say you are likely to listen well.
5. Some people use listening as an excuse for not revealing anything about themselves.
6. If you are feeling emotional about an issue you are likely to listen more attentively to other people.
7. Angry people are rarely good listeners.
8. Talking is more important than listening.
9. You are less likely to listen when someone agrees with your views than when someone challenges your views.
10. Fatigue never affects the quality of your listening.
It may be useful to keep these points in mind during any kind of discussion. They are listed in the box below.
10 useful things about listening to keep in mind
- Your thoughts can interfere with your listening.
- You may resist listening to others who criticise, blame or get angry with you.
- You are more likely to listen to people with whom you feel comfortable.
- If you have something you can’t wait to say you are not likely to listen well.
- Some people use listening as an excuse for not revealing anything about themselves.
- If you are feeling emotional about an issue you are likely to listen less attentively to other people.
- Angry people are rarely good listeners.
- Listening is as important as talking.
- You are more likely to listen when someone agrees with your views than when someone challenges your views.
- Fatigue can affect the quality of your listening.
OpenLearn - Everyday English 1
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