XI Международной научно-практической конференции

«Передовая наука – 2015»

Филологические науки/7. Язык, речь, речевая коммуникация

Науменко А.С.

ООО «Аурига», Россия

Effective Listening as an Important Skill of Communication.

Listening is one of the most important communication skill people use. Yet, many of us listen poorly, and rarely think to improve this important skill.

Poor listeners "hear" what's being said, but hardly ever "listen" to the whole message.

People get distracted by their own thoughts or by what going on around them, and they often formulate responses before the person they're talking to has finished speaking. Because of this, they miss crucial information.

Good listeners, on the other hand, enjoy better relationships, because they fully understand what other people are saying. Their team members are also more productive, because they feel that they can discuss problems easily, and talk through solutions.

It’s very important to learn to be a better listener. There are some tips on how to achieve effective listening.

Preparing to Listen.

Good preparation is essential for effective listening. Without it, it's hard to listen to people successfully.

Before an important conversation, it’s vital to remove anything that may distract you from it I order to stay focused and to show the other person that he or she has your full attention. Switch off your cell phone, turn off instant messaging and email alerts, put your work away, close your meeting room door, and do what you can to make sure that you won't be interrupted.

If you know that you won't be able to offer the other person your full attention – for example, if you're working on an urgent task – schedule a better time to speak. However, make sure that the other person knows that the conversation is important to you.

Also, do what you can to make the other person feel at ease. Use open body language, and a friendly tone.

If he indicates that he wants to speak about a sensitive subject, and if this is appropriate, remind him that the conversation is in confidence, and that he can be honest with you.

If you're a manager, there may be some things that you cannot keep confidential. If your conversation is beginning to encroach on these, make this clear to the other person.

Active Listening

When you listen actively, you not only make a conscious effort to hear the other person's words, but, more importantly, you try to understand their whole message.

To do this, learn how to read people's body language and tone, so that you can identify "hidden" nonverbal messages.

Also, don't interrupt people, and don't allow yourself to become distracted by your own thoughts or opinions. Instead, focus completely on what the other person is saying. Nod or say "OK" occasionally to acknowledge that you're listening.

If you don't understand something, wait for people to finish what they're saying before you ask for clarification.

Above all, don't formulate a response until people have communicated their whole message, and avoid any judgment or criticism until it's your turn to speak. If you argue or "play devil's advocate" while you listen, you may discourage them from opening up to you.

It can be difficult not to formulate a response while the other person is talking. This is because we typically think much faster than other people can speak, so our brains are often "whirring away" while they are talking. You'll need to concentrate hard to stay focused on the person who's speaking, and this can take a lot of effort.

Empathic Listening

When you demonstrate empathy, you recognize other people's emotions, and you do what you can to understand their perspectives. As such, it really helps you take active listening to the next level.

To listen empathically, put yourself "in other people's shoes," and try to see things from their point of view. Then, summarize what they say, in your own words, to show them that you understand their perspectives.

Also, ask open questions to help people articulate themselves fully, and avoid using leading questions that "put words in people's mouths." This gives them the opportunity to add further detail, and to talk about their feelings.

Importantly, don't fear moments of silence when you listen. Instead, embrace pauses as a way to give people time to finish their point, and to allow them to reflect on what they have said.

Key Points

When you have good listening skills, you not only "hear" what's being said, but you listen to the whole message as well. Because of this, you help others express themselves fully. When you need to listen, make sure that you're prepared, and ensure that things in your environment will not distract you. Also, do what you can to put people at ease.

Next, use active listening techniques so that you give people your full attention, and so that you can understand the nonverbal elements of their message.

Then, take your listening skills to the next level with empathic listening. When appropriate, embrace silence, and make an effort to see things from other people's perspectives.

Литература:

1. Pragmatics of Language and Literature (Amsterdam: North Holland, 1975).

2. English for Business Communication Second edition Student's book (Cambridge University Press , 2003).

3. Interracial Communication: Theory into Practice. Mark P. Orbe and Tina M. Harris, SAGE Publications, 2008.