{"id":94,"date":"2018-04-05T23:08:47","date_gmt":"2018-04-05T23:08:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev.pressbooks.network\/testcssclone\/chapter\/listening-and-reading-for-understanding\/"},"modified":"2023-08-02T16:12:07","modified_gmt":"2023-08-02T16:12:07","slug":"listening-and-reading-for-understanding","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/dev.pressbooks.network\/testcssclone\/chapter\/listening-and-reading-for-understanding\/","title":{"raw":"Listening and Reading for Understanding","rendered":"Listening and Reading for Understanding"},"content":{"raw":"<p class=\"c1\"><span class=\"c0\">Learning to listen to your conversational partner, customer, supplier, or supervisor is an important part of business communication. Often, instead of listening you mentally rehearse what you want to say. Similarly, when you read, you are often trying to multitask and therefore cannot read with full attention. Inattentive listening or reading can cause you to miss much of what the speaker (or writer) is sharing with you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c1\"><span class=\"c0\">Communication involves the sharing and understanding of meaning. To fully share and understand, practice active listening and reading so that you are fully attentive, fully present in the moment of interaction. Pay attention to both the actual words and for other clues to meaning, such as tone of voice or writing style. Look for opportunities for clarification and feedback when the time comes for you to respond, not before.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<h3 id=\"h.k8674dofci00\" class=\"c9\"><span class=\"c2\">Active Listening and Reading<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"c1\"><span class=\"c0\">You\u2019ve probably experienced the odd sensation of driving somewhere and, having arrived, realized you don\u2019t remember driving. Your mind may have been filled with other issues and you drove on autopilot. It\u2019s dangerous when you drive like that, and it is dangerous in communication. Choosing to listen or read attentively takes effort. People communicate with words, expressions, and even in silence, and your attention to them will make you a better communicator. From discussions on improving customer service to retaining customers in challenging economic times, the importance of listening comes up frequently as a success strategy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c1\"><span class=\"c5\">Here are some tips to facilitate active listening and reading:<\/span><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"c27 lst-kix_gt9xdtxajag4-0 start\">\n \t<li class=\"c1 c12\"><span class=\"c0\">Maintain eye contact with the speaker; if reading, keep your eyes on the page.<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c1 c12\"><span class=\"c0\">Don\u2019t interrupt; if reading, don\u2019t multitask.<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c1 c12\"><span class=\"c0\">Focus your attention on the message, not your internal monologue.<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c1 c12\"><span class=\"c0\">Restate the message in your own words and ask if you understood correctly.<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c1 c12\"><span class=\"c0\">Ask clarifying questions to communicate interest and gain insight.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"h.9rsyalc0cjlr\" class=\"c9\"><span class=\"c2\">When the Going Gets Tough<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"c1\"><span class=\"c0\">Tips in this chapter will serve you well in daily interactions, but suppose you have an especially difficult subject to discuss, or you receive a written document delivering bad news. In a difficult situation like this, it is worth taking extra effort to create an environment and context that will facilitate positive communication.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c1\"><span class=\"c5\">Here are some strategies that may be helpful:<\/span><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"c27 lst-kix_qaiszae0fv6-0 start\">\n \t<li class=\"c1 c12\"><span class=\"c0\">Set aside a special time. To have a difficult conversation or read bad news, set aside a special time when you will not be disturbed. Close the door and turn off the TV, music player, and instant messaging client.<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c1 c12\"><span class=\"c0\">Don\u2019t interrupt. Keep silent while you let the other person \u201cspeak his or her piece.\u201d If you are reading, make an effort to understand and digest the news without mental interruptions.<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c1 c12\"><span class=\"c0\">Be nonjudgmental. Receive the message without judgment or criticism. Set aside your opinions, attitudes, and beliefs.<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c1 c12\"><span class=\"c0\">Be accepting. Be open to the message being communicated, realizing that acceptance does not necessarily mean you agree with what is being said.<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c1 c12\"><span class=\"c0\">Take turns. Wait until it is your turn to respond, and then measure your response in proportion to the message that was delivered to you. Reciprocal turn-taking allows each person have her of his say.<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c1 c12\"><span class=\"c0\">Acknowledge. Let the other person know that you have listened to the message or read it attentively.<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c1 c12\"><span class=\"c0\">Understand. Be certain that you understand what your partner is saying. If you don\u2019t understand, ask for clarification. Restate the message in your own words.<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c1 c12\"><span class=\"c0\">Keep your cool. Speak your truth without blaming. A calm tone will help prevent the conflict from escalating. Use \u201cI\u201d statements (e.g., \u201cI felt concerned when I learned that my department is going to have a layoff\u201d) rather than \u201cyou\u201d statements (e.g., \u201cyou want to get rid of some of our best people\u201d).<\/span><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"c1 c12\"><span class=\"c0\">Finally, recognize that mutual respect and understanding are built one conversation at a time. Trust is difficult to gain and easy to lose. Be patient and keep the channels of communication open, as a solution may develop slowly over the course of many small interactions. Recognize that it is more valuable to maintain the relationship over the long term than to \u201cwin\u201d in an individual transaction.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"c1\">Watch the following 8 minute video from Julian Treasure: 5 Ways to Listen Better<\/h3>\n[embed]https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=cSohjlYQI2A[\/embed]\n<p class=\"c1\"><span class=\"c0\">To summarize this section, part of being an effective communicator is learning to receive messages from others through active listening and reading.<\/span><\/p>","rendered":"<p class=\"c1\"><span class=\"c0\">Learning to listen to your conversational partner, customer, supplier, or supervisor is an important part of business communication. Often, instead of listening you mentally rehearse what you want to say. Similarly, when you read, you are often trying to multitask and therefore cannot read with full attention. Inattentive listening or reading can cause you to miss much of what the speaker (or writer) is sharing with you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c1\"><span class=\"c0\">Communication involves the sharing and understanding of meaning. To fully share and understand, practice active listening and reading so that you are fully attentive, fully present in the moment of interaction. Pay attention to both the actual words and for other clues to meaning, such as tone of voice or writing style. Look for opportunities for clarification and feedback when the time comes for you to respond, not before.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"h.k8674dofci00\" class=\"c9\"><span class=\"c2\">Active Listening and Reading<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"c1\"><span class=\"c0\">You\u2019ve probably experienced the odd sensation of driving somewhere and, having arrived, realized you don\u2019t remember driving. Your mind may have been filled with other issues and you drove on autopilot. It\u2019s dangerous when you drive like that, and it is dangerous in communication. Choosing to listen or read attentively takes effort. People communicate with words, expressions, and even in silence, and your attention to them will make you a better communicator. From discussions on improving customer service to retaining customers in challenging economic times, the importance of listening comes up frequently as a success strategy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c1\"><span class=\"c5\">Here are some tips to facilitate active listening and reading:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"c27 lst-kix_gt9xdtxajag4-0 start\">\n<li class=\"c1 c12\"><span class=\"c0\">Maintain eye contact with the speaker; if reading, keep your eyes on the page.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"c1 c12\"><span class=\"c0\">Don\u2019t interrupt; if reading, don\u2019t multitask.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"c1 c12\"><span class=\"c0\">Focus your attention on the message, not your internal monologue.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"c1 c12\"><span class=\"c0\">Restate the message in your own words and ask if you understood correctly.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"c1 c12\"><span class=\"c0\">Ask clarifying questions to communicate interest and gain insight.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 id=\"h.9rsyalc0cjlr\" class=\"c9\"><span class=\"c2\">When the Going Gets Tough<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"c1\"><span class=\"c0\">Tips in this chapter will serve you well in daily interactions, but suppose you have an especially difficult subject to discuss, or you receive a written document delivering bad news. In a difficult situation like this, it is worth taking extra effort to create an environment and context that will facilitate positive communication.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c1\"><span class=\"c5\">Here are some strategies that may be helpful:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"c27 lst-kix_qaiszae0fv6-0 start\">\n<li class=\"c1 c12\"><span class=\"c0\">Set aside a special time. To have a difficult conversation or read bad news, set aside a special time when you will not be disturbed. Close the door and turn off the TV, music player, and instant messaging client.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"c1 c12\"><span class=\"c0\">Don\u2019t interrupt. Keep silent while you let the other person \u201cspeak his or her piece.\u201d If you are reading, make an effort to understand and digest the news without mental interruptions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"c1 c12\"><span class=\"c0\">Be nonjudgmental. Receive the message without judgment or criticism. Set aside your opinions, attitudes, and beliefs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"c1 c12\"><span class=\"c0\">Be accepting. Be open to the message being communicated, realizing that acceptance does not necessarily mean you agree with what is being said.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"c1 c12\"><span class=\"c0\">Take turns. Wait until it is your turn to respond, and then measure your response in proportion to the message that was delivered to you. Reciprocal turn-taking allows each person have her of his say.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"c1 c12\"><span class=\"c0\">Acknowledge. Let the other person know that you have listened to the message or read it attentively.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"c1 c12\"><span class=\"c0\">Understand. Be certain that you understand what your partner is saying. If you don\u2019t understand, ask for clarification. Restate the message in your own words.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"c1 c12\"><span class=\"c0\">Keep your cool. Speak your truth without blaming. A calm tone will help prevent the conflict from escalating. Use \u201cI\u201d statements (e.g., \u201cI felt concerned when I learned that my department is going to have a layoff\u201d) rather than \u201cyou\u201d statements (e.g., \u201cyou want to get rid of some of our best people\u201d).<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"c1 c12\"><span class=\"c0\">Finally, recognize that mutual respect and understanding are built one conversation at a time. Trust is difficult to gain and easy to lose. Be patient and keep the channels of communication open, as a solution may develop slowly over the course of many small interactions. Recognize that it is more valuable to maintain the relationship over the long term than to \u201cwin\u201d in an individual transaction.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"c1\">Watch the following 8 minute video from Julian Treasure: 5 Ways to Listen Better<\/h3>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" id=\"oembed-1\" title=\"5 ways to listen better | Julian Treasure | TED\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/cSohjlYQI2A?feature=oembed&#38;rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p class=\"c1\"><span class=\"c0\">To summarize this section, part of being an effective communicator is learning to receive messages from others through active listening and reading.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"menu_order":5,"template":"","meta":{"pb_show_title":"","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[],"license":[],"class_list":["post-94","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry"],"part":75,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.pressbooks.network\/testcssclone\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/94","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.pressbooks.network\/testcssclone\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.pressbooks.network\/testcssclone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.pressbooks.network\/testcssclone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/dev.pressbooks.network\/testcssclone\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/94\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":95,"href":"https:\/\/dev.pressbooks.network\/testcssclone\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/94\/revisions\/95"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.pressbooks.network\/testcssclone\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/75"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.pressbooks.network\/testcssclone\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/94\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.pressbooks.network\/testcssclone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=94"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.pressbooks.network\/testcssclone\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=94"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.pressbooks.network\/testcssclone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=94"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.pressbooks.network\/testcssclone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=94"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}