What Is Effective Listening

Verbal and written communication skills are important competencies in the workplace, as much as 33 percent of the day is spent listening (Walker, R., 2015). Although a significant amount of our time is spent listening, this is a misunderstood skill often overlooked by professionals. “The ability to listen effectively can have a big impact on our ability to communicate well with others. Effective listening can help us build relationships, be more productive, and determine whether others are being deceptive” (Walker, R., 2015). To be an effective manager, teacher, collaborator, or leader one must be an effective listener. Effective listening is processing the information given to you by a speaker, showing that you are listening and attentive.

“Hearing is the sensory ability to receive sound” (Walker, R., 2015) and requires no effort while listening is a complex cognitive, affective, and behavioral process (Edwards, R., 2011). Thompson, Leintz, Nevers, and Witkowski define effective listening as the “dynamic, interactive process of integrating appropriate listening attitudes, knowledge, and behaviours to achieve the selected goals of a listening event” (Thompson, K., Leintz, P., Nevers, B. &Witkowski, S., 2004). Effective listening is more than just a cognitive practice, to be an effective listener one must “hear” what the listener is saying but also comprehend the message being conveyed. This can be achieved by practicing three frames of listening. Cognitive listening centers on how words and phrases are “comprehended, understood, interpreted, evaluated, remembered, and recalled” (Burleson, B.R., 2011). Affective listening is the focus of attention, and displays of acceptance and empathy toward the speaker. Behavioral listening characteristics show engagement through non-verbal cues like eye contact and nodding, along with verbal cues like inquiries or advice. Effective listening should not be taken for granted; there are several advantages to understanding and practicing effective listening. When you become a better listener you build stronger interpersonal relationships, you are perceived as having greater intelligence, and improved listening skill establish stronger overall communication skills. These are valuable benefits for me both personally and