Sep 13

Overcoming listening Problems. Some listening problems may arise from external sources, such as noisy surroundings. They may also result from a poorly organized message, unfamiliar language, or a speaker whose presentation is distracting. Most serious listening problems arise from factors internal to the listener, such as personal reactions to words, worries, attitudes, bad listening habits, or listener apprehension. Personal reactions to trigger words may set off strong emotions that block effective listening. Biased attitudes toward the speaker or the topic can interfere with listening. For example, filtering is a form of message distortion in which you hear only what you want to. Assimilation occurs when you interpret some favoured person’s views as identical with your own when there is actually a significant distance between the two positions. A contrast effect occurs when you see a position only slightly different from yours as quite different, because you have a negative bias towards the source.
Bad habits, such as pretending we are listening when we are not or listening only for facts, can also impair listening behaviour. Fear of listening is a major form of receiver apprehension. We are often fearful listeners when we know that a message will be important for us personally, when we will be held responsible for it, and when it is difficult to understand.
Effective listening skills can be developed. The first step is to identify your listening problems. Concentrate on the main ideas and the overall pattern of meaning in the speech. Strive to be as objective as you can be, and withhold judgment until you are certain you understand the message.