As we determined in the previous post, when we reduce “listening” down to its purest form, it is the process of gathering information. A communicator truly becomes an effective listener a communicator when they begin to:
- CONSCIOUSLY determine for what purpose the information is being gathered, AND
- CONSCIOUSLY determine what information specifically is to be gathered that can help to further that purpose.
Before going any further though, I want to acknowledge and address the difference between EXTERNAL and INTERNAL listening. Parts of this post are protected. Please login or register for Level 2 Access - The Insider's Club or Level 3 Access - The CGP Certification Program to view the complete contents of this post.
11. Creating distraction and/or sending poor body language cues. This lends itself to the category of external listening but is important to mention never the less. If you are not creating an environment that helps them to feel comfortable, important and interesting you will indeed hinder the effectiveness of the communication. Fidgeting, losing eye contact, slumped posture etc… All are examples of poor listening habits.
In our next post we will begin to discuss the categorical types of information that can be processed and what functions listening can serve during the course of communication. Please feel free to search the rest of my blog or catch me on Skype.
