6.8: Summary and Review
Summary
Although we greatly underestimate the power of listening, it is perhaps the most valuable skill for effective communication. Understanding the five stages of listening and its different functions deepens our knowledge regarding the complexity of listening. Furthermore, identifying our listening styles, barriers, and ineffective practices can help us hone our strengths and reduce our weaknesses as listeners.
As you learned in this chapter, increased awareness around listening and the use of strategies offered in this chapter, you will improve communication in your relationships simply by becoming a better listener. Active and mindful listening can make a difference in all interpersonal contexts you communicate within.
Remember the beginning of this chapter where Jamal was engaging in what you now know is called pseudo-listening while Shenise was trying to engage him in a discussion about their upcoming trip to Cancun? If Jamal had exercised active listening and employed some of the techniques discussed in this chapter, it is likely that Shenise would not have gotten angry. Active listening is a gift that you give to both yourself and others.
Discussion Questions
1. After reviewing the stages of the listening process, which of the stages do you find the most challenging? How might you use active listening to improve in that area?
2. What is your listening style? Can you think of an instance when this listening style can be beneficial? Can you provide an example of when this listening style is harmful? How can knowing this information help improve your listening?
3. What barriers to listening impact you the most? What steps can you take to lessen these barriers within different contexts of communication?
4. Which of the ineffective listening practices do you find yourself prone to using? What specific changes do you need to make to minimize or eliminate these practices?
5. Which of the active listening strategies can you use to improve your relationship with others?