ORAL

COMMUNICATION
REVIEW/RECAP
LESSON 2:
THE ART OF
LISTENING
LISTENING
Listening is an important factor in
achieving effective communication
In addition to assisting in our
understanding of the meaning being
communicated, listening can help us
preserve or strengthen our connections
with other people.
Improving this ability will also allow us to
understand others better, and will help us
learn new ideas and concepts more efficiently.
It seems that nowadays people find it more
difficult to listen. With the advancement of
technology, the fast paced culture it
dictates, and the distractions it poses, the
need to listen has taken a back seat.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF LISTENING
According to Ang (2009), research shows
that listening is the most basic
communications activity in our daily lives.
She explains that statistically, we
devote approximately 9% of our time for
writing, 16% for reading, 30% for
speaking and 45%for listening.
Furthermore, about 90% of the
information we gather and retain is
received through our eyes and ears.
However, despite the high percentage of
our time devoted to listening, we still do
not make use of the skill as much as we
should.
According to Lyman Steil (as stated in Ang,
2009), a listening consultant, we are
relatively poor listeners, and the level of our
listening effectiveness is only about 50%.
This means that we only hear, evaluate and
respond to half of what was said by the
sender. This figure will further drop after 48
hours to an effectiveness level of 25%.
Stuart Chase further asserts (as stated in
Ang, 2009), ‘Listening is the other half of
talking. If people stop listening, it is useless to
talk.”
This supports the idea that listening is of
utmost importance in effective communication
and in maintaining relationships. We need to
develop this skill in order to interact
successfully with others.
 MODELS OF LISTENING
(AS DISCUSSED BY ANG, 2009)
In emphatic listening, we listen to understand
the feelings and emotions of others.
This means that there is a need to give
attention to the sentiments of another
person.
In critical listening, we focus directly on what
the sender is saying.
 MODELS OF LISTENING
(AS DISCUSSED BY ANG, 2009)
We, then, use the obtained information to
criticize, evaluate and form opinions about the
topic being discussed.
In appreciative listening, we listen for
pleasure, entertainment or enjoyment.
In comprehensive listening, we listen to derive
information, facts, ideas and principles.
THE PURPOSE IN LISTENING
A listener’s purpose varies from situation to
situation. Each one has its own set of
requirements and skills that are needed to
achieve the goals of the communication
transaction (Ang, 2009). Experts in the art
of listening have identified the following
purposes:
1. To obtain and exchange basic information,
thus gaining knowledge.
2. To make intellectual judgments and fair
criticism as well as evaluate ideas.
3. To seek enjoyment, entertainment and
pleasure.
4. To give logical and intellectual answers.
BARRIERS TO EFFECTIVE LISTENING
The barriers to effective listening may be
classified into two major categories:
1) Extrinsic noise; and 2) Intrinsic noise.
Extrinsic or external noises- are sensory
stimuli that draw people away from the
intended meaning of the message. This could be a
result of what we hear, see, feel or even taste
during the communication event.
Intrinsic or internal noises- are the thoughts and
feelings that interfere with the meaning of the
message. These could be a result of our feelings,
situation, or even preconceptions of the sender or the
message being delivered.
EXAMPLES:
Extrinsic Noise - Hot or cold room, Noisy seatmates,
Uncomfortable chair, Videoke music
Intrinsic Noise- Feeling of pain or hunger, Family
problem and Financial problem
 HEARING VS. LISTENING
Hearing and listening are frequently thought to be
synonymous to each other, but in truth are two
different things. This is why it’s important that a clear
distinction between the two must be made (Ang, 2009).
 GUIDES TO EFFECTIVE LISTENING
1. Listen not only to the words but for
meanings behind the words.
2. Concentrate on the message.
3. Listen with an open mind
4. Give effective feedback
5. Listen critically
INTERPERSONAL
COMMUNICATION
 ACTIVITY
Look at each picture closely and observe what does
each illustrate? Cite reason(s) in coming up with your
conclusion.

THIS PICTURE SHOWS AN/ A

__________________________________________
_______________________

REASON(S)
__________________________________________
______________________
 ACTIVITY
Look at each picture closely and observe what does
each illustrate? Cite reason(s) in coming up with
your conclusion.

THIS PICTURE SHOWS AN/ A

________________________________________
_________________________

REASON(S)
________________________________________
________________________
 ACTIVITY
Look at each picture closely and observe what does
each illustrate? Cite reason(s) in coming up with
your conclusion.

THIS PICTURE SHOWS AN/ A

________________________________________
_________________________

REASON(S)
________________________________________
________________________
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
is defined as the process by which one
person stimulates meaning in the mind of
another person through verbal and
nonverbal messages. It is described as an
informal exchange that occurs between two
or more people.
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
The dyad is two-person context represents
the smallest unit of human interaction.
Dyadic communication is unique because it
hinges on high degree of potential intimacy
and involvement in an interaction between
two people.
THERE ARE THREE FORMS OF COMMUNICATION
THAT OCCUR IN DYAD CONVERSATION, DIALOGUE,
AND INTERVIEW.
Conversation is a friendly and informal
exchange between two people and does not
require replanning. The topics of the
conversation are usually safe topics such as
our day in school or office, or highly sensitive
issues, such as love for a particular person.
Dialogue is a dyadic context where two
people communicate deep and intimate topics
in a most personal relationship. This occurs
between a married couple, romantic
partners, or between you and your best
friend.
An interview is generally formal in nature and is
the most purposive among the dyadic contexts.
It requires planning and preparation.

There are different kinds of interviews with

specific objectives and goals. It consists of three
parts: (1) the exploration stage, (2) the
interaction stage, and (3) the termination stage.
(1) the exploration stage where rapport is
established between the interviewer and the
interviewee and the purpose of the interview is
explained;

(2) the interaction stage where the interview

questions based on the objectives are asked and
(3) the termination stage where the interview is
completed, appreciation is expressed to the
interviewee, and when necessary, a future
encounter is set.
 STRATEGIES IN EFFECTIVELY
COMMUNICATING IN A DYAD CONTEXT
Growth in individuals and relationships depends on
honoring our needs for autonomy and connection. In
order to create and sustain healthy dyadic
communication climates, our communication behavior
must be both appropriate and effective in a given
relationship. In a dyadic context, the following
guidelines are identified to help build effective
interactions:
 STRATEGIES IN EFFECTIVELY
COMMUNICATING IN A DYAD CONTEXT
There must be openness in a dyadic relationship.
The participants are willing to broach
information and are also willing to react
honestly. Honesty is important because we
expect real friends to be sources of
straightforward feedback even if it isn't always
pleasant to hear.
 STRATEGIES IN EFFECTIVELY
COMMUNICATING IN A DYAD CONTEXT
An open and empathetic communication cannot
survive in a threatened atmosphere.
Supportiveness is a necessary ingredient of a
healthy dyadic context. Supportive
communication is conducive to maintaining
relationships. However, a supportive climate
does not happen by chance. It is a skill that needs
to be learned.
Supporting responses are comforting
statements whose goal is to reassure,
encourage, strengthen, soothe, console, or
cheer up.
Being empathic means acting toward the other
person as his/her equal, and recognizing that you
don't know everything. In relationship
communication, being supportive also includes
encouraging the other person to be the best he/
she can be.
 POINTS TO REMEMBER
Listening is both a rare skill and a delicate art. It
can be learned and developed only through
constant application and steady practice. It will
eventually be perfected through mastery and
refinement.
Interpersonal Communication doesn't mean
intimate communication. Its difference lies in the
levels of relationship we have with another person.