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Have you ever been in a situation when you felt no-one was listening to you?

Have you ever been in a situation when you realized you had not been listening to someone speaking to you?

Most of us can say “Yes” to each of these questions!

THE ‘KEY’ OR ‘SOLUTION’ to overcome these challenges is ACTIVE LISTENING.

WHAT IS ACTIVE LISTENING?

“Active” is the opposite of “passive.”  To be a good listener we must keep our minds ACTIVELY ENGAGED in what we are hearing.

To do this, not only focus is needed, but also practical strategies which keep our mind active.

3 IMPORTANT ACTIVE LISTENING STRATEGIES?

ASKING QUESTIONS – Use the 5 Ws and HOW – Who is talking? What is important? Why is it important? How is the speaker feeling about the topic?

CONNECTING TO PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE – Think about what you already know about the topic from previous learning.  Use your senses also to connect to what you are hearing…picture the scene, recall a similar smell, taste, touch.

HAVING REACTIONS– a simple reaction is “Wow!” – another reaction might be “Something similar happened to me.” OR “I hope I never experience something like that!” OR “That must have been difficult.”

By using these strategies you become an ACTIVE LISTENER and a GOOD LISTENER!!

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Good listening is an ESSENTIAL part of GOOD COMMUNICATION.

Whether you are listening to a friend, a colleague, a supervisor, someone you are caring for or a family member, they hope for and expect that you will listen and understand what they are trying to communicate. Active listening helps to ensure that your response and follow up are appropriate and effective.

BEING A GOOD LISTENER IS CRUCIAL TO BEING A GOOD COMMUNICATOR. 

Developing EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION SKILLS is a goal that we all should set for ourselves.

Cindy Cook, Drake Medox College’s English Language coach strongly believes that “being a good listener/communicator has a positive effect on our interactions and relationships whether at work, school or at home.”

To connect with Cindy to learn more about this topic and the English Programs offered at Drake Medox College, call 604 629-0196 today.