1. Internal listening – Basically this level of listening is focused on one’s own thoughts, worries and priorities. In level of listening is related to pseudo listening where an individual pretends to pay attention. Such kind of listeners look others in the eye, and may even nod and smile. It doesn’t focus on key components of listening such as hearing, attentiveness, understanding, remembering and responding.
Focused listening – In this type of level, an individual focuses on the speaker but not fully connecting fully to them. An audience maybe focusing for the purpose of ambushing the speaker where they only collect information for attacking him or her. In this kind of level, some components of listening such as hearing, attentiveness, remembering and responding might apply, Downs(2008).
360 listening – In this kind of level an individual not only listens but also grasps what the speaker is saying. It might be with an intension of attacking the speaker through ambushing him or her. Most of the components of listening such as hearing, attentiveness, remembering and responding are applied. This is one of the best level of listening.
Listening is an essential element in human life. Studies conducted by several researchers have proved that we spent quite a number of time listening even though we might not be so keen and attentive on what is being communicated. It is a tool that is consequently overlooked by many, for instance, when we consider several levels of listening, some of the habits found within them clearly outline some of the important but yet ignored aspects that when employed properly, can lead to positive actualization of environment, Downs(2008).
2. The following suggestions when tried can positively improve listening.
Looking people in the eye during communication. This creates connectivity with the individual you are conversing with hence reclaiming conversation. This creates several components of listening such as silent listening where an individual does not respond to the speaker, questioning which is the most popular kind used. Reasons for an individual using questioning technique is to clarify meaning, to learn about others thoughts, feelings, and wants, to encourage elaboration and lastly to encourage discovery. In addition, this kind of suggestion yields some listening styles such as relational listening that enhances understanding of the speaker’s feelings and emotions, Brownell (1986).
3. Creating some space within the day. This can be used as time for reflection about the happenings of the day, week or even month. Moreover, it enhances full attention accorded to the person you are talking to. Moreover, this kind of suggestion yields some listening styles such as analytical listening where an individual holds judgment about another’s ideas until hearing everything. Also one can easily catch speaker’s errors.
Another suggestion that assist to improve listening is asking more questions. This shows that you do understand the situation and more so, you can get more clarification on what is not grasped clearly. This enhances avoiding poor listening habits. In this components of listening such as hearing, understanding, responding, silent listening and attentiveness can be enhanced, Brownell (1986).
References:
Downs, L. J. (2008). Listening skills training. Alexandria, VA, ASTD Press.
Brownell, J. (1986). Building active listening skills. Englewood Cliffs, N.J., Prentice-Hall.
