TACKLING THE

PROBLEM OF LISTENING
Introduction
Whenever we speak or communicate, we
expect others to listen to us. And if we
receive a message from someone, then we
are in the midst of conversation. However,
listening is one of the toughest lessons to
learn especially if the topic is not interesting.
Oftentimes, people take for granted the
communication skill of listening. Some listen
because it is a polite thing to do. But proper
listening is to listen thru the ears, eyes, mind,
and heart.
Distinction between Hearing
and Listening
1. Hearing is a natural process while listening is a skill
to be enhanced.
2. Every normal being can hear at birth. One
develops listening thru adequate knowledge, effort,
and practice.
3. Hearing (reception of sounds) is only the first
component of listening, in which sounds are sorted out
and sent to the brain. Listening makes the individual
distinguish one sound from another which makes the
individual attach meaning to the sound.
Clues for Effective Listening
(Speaker)
1. Choose an interesting topic based on the
audience and occasion.
2. Plan out and prepare well the speech.
3. Include humor which is pertinent to the point
being discussed.
4. Be open-minded.
5. Look directly into the eyes of audience to
establish mental contact.
6. Put yourself in the role of a listener.
Clues for Effective Listening
(Audience)
1. Get ready to listen.
2. Start listening at the
beginning.
3. Get the central idea.
4. Judge and evaluate what
have been understood.
Conclusion
People always wanted to listen to interesting,
entertaining, challenging, and inspiring topic
messages.

Source:
Maglaya, Rommel; Lim, Jenny J. 2013. Speak Up! A
Worktext in Speech and Oral Communication.
Malabon City: Jimczyville Publications.