Taking steps to be a better listener Effective listening doesn’t just happen. It takes some work and diligence to improve. Here are some of the most common barriers to effective listening from the point of view of the listener. You can begin to consciously address these in your everyday interactions. Being and remaining preoccupied and…
Category: FAQ-Communication
What is “critical listening?”
Critical listening is a form of listening that is usually not mentioned, since it involves analysis, critical thinking and judgment. Making judgments during listening is often considered as a barrier to understand a person, and there’s a lot of truth in that. However, critical listening occurs when you still want to understand what the other…
What is “dialogic listening?”
The University of Colorado website has, in addition to a definition of dialogic listening, a great glossary of listening and communication terms and defintion. It defines dialogic listening as: Dialogic listening is similar to active listening, although it emphasizes conversation as a shared activity and stresses an open-ended, playful attitude toward the conversation. In addition,…
Why does my attention drift when I’m listening?
Relax! It’s normal to have your attention drift when you are listening — even when you are actually trying. Your ability to focus your attention and listen can be developed by practice, and self-awareness, but it’s useful to understand why attention drifts. Your ability to take in information from someone speaking allows you to process…
What are extended attempts to win? (Communication that fails)
Attempts To Win an Argument Often Backfire and Create Poor Communication You may be familiar with the phrase “For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction”, taken from the world of physics. The same principle applies to communication, and arguing or advocating a position. When you make an extended attempt to win an…
What is unsolicited advice? Why is it a communication killer?
Good intentions don’t always make effective communication or better relationships. You might mean well. You want to help. You offer advice to someone without being asked. They get mad. You get mad because the other person isn’t appreciating your effort. What’s going on? It’s pretty simple. Advice offered without it being requested may be unwelcome…