GEC324

TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION
Module 6

Dr. E. E. Alagbe & Dr. A. A. Ayoola

Department of Chemical Engineering
2021/2022 Academic Session
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THE ART OF LISTENING
Listening involves receiving, interpreting and reacting to a message
from a speaker. It involves the reception and accurate decoding of
verbal messages from another person.
It is part of a complete communication process.
Born listeners versus active listeners.
Sharp listeners versus poor listeners.
Listening versus hearing.

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Attributes of listening
• Encourages the speaker
• It is as important as talking or speaking
• Requires patience
• Requires empathy
• Energy consuming process
• Demands attention
• Should be practiced like other arts such as swimming
• Demands an openness to the speaker’s view
• Must be without bias or prejudices

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Poor listening
Poor listening means that there’s a gap between what was said and what was taken
or understood by the listener. This may be due to some of the reasons listed below:
i. Lack of listening training
ii. Speed of thought is more than speed of speech
iii. Hearing but not listening
iv. Listening for main points only but not hearing
v. Rehearsing questions or defenses instead of listening.
vi. Interrupting the speaking while he/she is still speaking.
vii. Listening just to point out areas of disagreement(s).
viii. Pre-judging the topic to be uninteresting
ix. Being critical of the presenters appearances or qualification/delivery
x. Being overtly comprehensive with details

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Common listening mistakes and their solutions
Common Mistakes Solutions
‘I do not have to concentrate. Listening comes Good listening demands a conscious effort. Your
naturally’. mind must be constantly engaged .

‘I am a good listener. I always get facts and figures This is an attribute of a selective listener. The setback
right and straight.’ is that you listen to facts and figures but miss out on
other details like questions raised, examples
presented, emotions,…etc

You should not interrupt when someone is speaking An inquisitive listener is an effective listener. There is
time to ask the speaker to elucidate points raised.

A good listener paraphrases everything a speaker Key information can be repeated but do not
says rephrase everything.

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Effective listening
The following guidelines are needed for effective listening skill
development:
a. Being non-judgmental of the presenter (Verbal & non-verbal
attitudes)
b. Condensing the main points delivered
c. Reflecting implications/reading between the lines
d. Push for further contributions with relevant questions
e. Adopting encouraging postures during communication

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Types of listening
• Appreciative listening
• Empathetic listening
• Comprehensive listening
• Critical listening
• Superficial listening

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Barriers to effective listening
• Content – to be prepared according to the audience (Experts and
learners)
• Speaker demeanor – accents, emotions,
• Medium of interaction – visible and non-visible media
• Distractions – internal and external stimuli
• Mindset of the listener – attitudes, language
• Listening speed
• Hasty feedbacks
• Cultural barriers