Unleash the Power of Listening
by: Barbara White
A vital skill in becoming an effective communicator is the ability to listen. Listening skills are not taught in school, and sadly are largely undeveloped skill in many people. To listen effectively is a powerful skill that can be learnt and practiced. You will gain more respect and esteem through listening rather than through talking
It?s funny how sometimes you associate a certain phrase with someone. I knew someone called Ray and what I remember about him the most was when he was listening to someone talk he would keep saying ?I hear you? I would wonder whether he was saying that because he heard, but disagreed with what the person was saying, or if it was a noncommittal filler
There is however a great difference between hearing and listening. Hearing refers to the physical dimension of the sound waves striking the ear and the brain processing them into meaningful information. Listening, however, involves far more than the hearing process. It incorporates paying attention and focusing with the intention of understanding and responding appropriately.
The most basic of all human needs is the need to understand and to be understood. The best way to understand people is to listen to them. Not only that but when people feel that you have really listened to them, you will gain their respect and they will value and give you the credibility to speak.
Consider how you feel when you sense someone is really listening to what you have to say.
You feel good, you feel understood, and more connected to the person who is listening. The fact that they are interested causes you to feel cared for.
One important element of listening is the ability to attend.
Attending is the process where we focus in on a message and filter out others that are distracting. It is to be able to focus on what the person is saying, and filter out all the other things that may be happening at the same time.
Someone once said (his name was anonymous) that the reason history repeats itself is because no one was listening the first time. When I first heard that, I realized history always repeating in my house especially around bedtime! That is the time when my kids practice attending. They focus on what they are doing (and it?s not homework) and filter me out as a distraction each time I remind them that it?s bedtime!
One of the biggest distractions to attending is our desire to talk
The desire to talk is so strong that while the other person is talking we can be thinking about what we are going to say next, and waiting for an opportunity to speak. As we focus on what we are going to say or interject, our attention goes from what the person is saying to our own thoughts. Although appearing to be interested and attentive, we can easily be distracted by our thoughts or something else that may be happening at the same time. At that point perhaps we do fall into merely hearing and not listening. Our mind?s attention has drifted onto other things and is no longer intent on understanding and responding.
True listening is a skill which needs to be learnt and practiced because the mind functions seven times more quickly than it is possible to speak. Therefore the mind needs to be slowed down and focused on what the person is saying, and not pay attention to other irrelevant thoughts or distractions.
One of my all time favourite books is ?The Success Principles? written by Jack Canfield.
One of the Principles he writes about in the book is how to use the power of listening as a way of building rapport and connecting with people. Jack created a series of four questions that he uses in personal and business situations. He asks the questions one after another. The first time he tried it was with his sister Kim. He asked the first question and listened to her response. When she had finished he asked the next question, and continued in this manner through all the questions.
Afterwards Kim smiled said to him ?That?s the best conversation I think we?ve ever had. I feel so clear and focused. I know exactly what I need to go and do now.
Thank you? He was amazed as he hadn?t said a word except to ask the four questions, and had resisted the inclination to jump in with his own responses. He has found this works everytime and uses the questions frequently.
I have used this strategy, but by using my own questions and have been amazed at the results. Not only have the questions given me a greater understanding of the person, but through the fact of actively listening to people without commenting or putting my 2 cents worth in they have experienced encouragement and a sense of connectedness. I now make sure that I ask questions and listen more than I speak.
I want you to take a moment now to think of a question that you could use to practice actively listening, and resist the impulse to speak. When you have the opportunity, use your question or questions and experience the power of building rapport with others through the power of listening.
About The Author
Barbara White? trains individuals and organizations to become powerful and effective communicators. Learn more by visiting http://www.livingbeyondbetter.com. For more self improvement articles: http://www.articlesbeyondbetter.com. barbara@livingbeyondbetter.com
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What is the Cost of College Tuition?
What is the Cost of College Tuition?
by: Michael Carter
What is the average cost of college tuition?
This is one question that most parents and future students ask themselves and need to know in order to plan for a college education.
The national average college tuition rate for public universities is $4,694 per year for in state residents.
This figure includes both tuition rates and fees for a full time student.
The average college tuition rate at private colleges and universities is around $20,000 per year in tuition and fees.
Many students take advantage of the low tuition rates of two-year public colleges and junior colleges.
The average tuition for a two year school is only $2,076 per year.
College Tuition Increase
While it is good to get an idea of the current cost of tuition, it is also important to understand the expected increase in tuition costs.
Parents and students...
Hearing aid > What is the Cost of College Tuition?
Swimmers Ear - Otitis Externa
Swimmers Ear - Otitis Externa
by: Ryan Fyfe
The medical name for swimmers ear is Otitis externa. Otitis externa is also what we would call a common ear ache. It is an inflammation, infection or otherwise an irritation of the outer ear and inner ear canal.
Symptoms of Otitis externa include:
Decreasage in hearing or total hearing loss
Ear pain which may worsen when pulling on the outer of the ear
Drainage that comes from the ear
Itching of the inner ear or ear canalThis infection very common, especially among young adults and teenagers. One easy way to contract swimmer's ear is by swimming in polluted water. Also though, it is possible to contract the infection by swimming in a pool that is well maintained. Swimming in water isn't the only way to contract http://www.ear-infection-spot.com Otitis externa; Even simply water trapped in the ear canal after a shower...
Swimmers Ear - Otitis Externa
Hearing aid > Swimmers Ear - Otitis Externa
Are You Prepared to Give First Aid to Your Dog
Are You Prepared to Give First Aid to Your Dog
by: Alton Hargrave
As a dog owner, you may find yourself needing to give your dog first aid. Whether a car accident has occurred or your dog has collapsed from health related problems, there are some things you could prepare yourself for. Dogs are curious creatures and sometimes get into dangerous situations. When they get into trouble, it will be your job to help.
Nobody expects you to know everything a veterinarian knows. But, don't sell yourself short. Many of the problems a dog faces are similar to those of our own. Until you can get your dog to a vet, he or she will depend on you. And, sometimes the care you provide along the way will make the difference when you get to your vet. Having the supplies you need on hand will really help you to be effective.
Having the supplies you need on hand will really help you to be effective. Rolls of gauze and tape are handy to slow or stop bleeding....
Are You Prepared to Give First Aid to Your Dog
Hearing aid > Are You Prepared to Give First Aid to Your Dog
Advertising Made Easy, and Cost Effective
Advertising Made Easy, and Cost Effective
by: Lorae Le Roux
Advertising made easy, and your wallet will love it too!
In today's market, anyone in business knows that advertising is the backbone to the success, and without it, you are "dead in the water".
Even with the greatest product on the planet, a product that you know everyone needs and wants. Without advertising, it's just an idea, going nowhere.
Whether you advertise online or offline, it can become a grueling and expensive experience, with no guarantees.
I'm sure that there is not a business out there that has ever done any kind of advertising, that hasn't lost a bunch of money, advertising their hearts out.
Advertising is elusive.
Excitement builds because you spend large amounts of money place your ads, guaranteeing you lots of exposure, and sales through the roof.
You think that you can't miss, that this...
Hearing aid > Advertising Made Easy, and Cost Effective
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Learning to Listen
by: Jason Mills
In recent years, there have been great advances in the technology of hearing aids.
Cochlear implants have become commonplace in many parts of the world, and digital hearing aids have eclipsed their analogue counterparts in common usage.
Hearing aids have certainly come a long way, from the days of ear trumpets.
The following is a timeline of key developments in the advance of hearing aid technology.
? 1550 ? The theory of bone conduction through teeth was developed by Girolamo Cardano.
? 1558 ? Giovanni Batista Porta described some of the earliest hearing aids in his book Natural Magick.
They are shaped like the ears of animals known for their acute hearing abilities.
? 1724 ? A postmaster from Versailles, hoping to cure his own deafness, discovered Eustachian Tube Catheterization.
? 1878 ? Emil Berthold first described the surgical repair of a perforated...
Learning to Listen
Hearing aid > Learning to Listen
Swimmers Ear - Otitis Externa
Swimmers Ear - Otitis Externa
by: Ryan Fyfe
The medical name for swimmers ear is Otitis externa. Otitis externa is also what we would call a common ear ache. It is an inflammation, infection or otherwise an irritation of the outer ear and inner ear canal.
Symptoms of Otitis externa include:
Decreasage in hearing or total hearing loss
Ear pain which may worsen when pulling on the outer of the ear
Drainage that comes from the ear
Itching of the inner ear or ear canalThis infection very common, especially among young adults and teenagers. One easy way to contract swimmer's ear is by swimming in polluted water. Also though, it is possible to contract the infection by swimming in a pool that is well maintained. Swimming in water isn't the only way to contract http://www.ear-infection-spot.com Otitis externa; Even simply water trapped in the ear canal after a shower...
Swimmers Ear - Otitis Externa
Hearing aid > Swimmers Ear - Otitis Externa
Hearing aid
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