Listening in Communication

1276 Words3 Pages

A vital aspect of interpersonal communication is the style in which one listens. While every individual possesses their own preferred method of listening in communication, it can be enlightening to analyze our own strengths and weaknesses so as to maximize effectual communication. Within the confines of four main listening style categories, I have chosen those which best describe my own personal listening style. Upon exploring the four different personal listening styles from which we had to choose, I was surprised to realize that I am considered a people-oriented and content-oriented listener. Another listening style which scored within close range of the aforementioned results was that of time-oriented listening. These results were greatly unexpected given my high level of energy and desire to accomplish goals, but certainly seemed to prove valid through my subsequent self-exploration. In order to determine whether or not my listening style changes in various situations, I decided to perform an assessment of my conversations over the past ten days. The first evaluation I conducted occurred after volunteering at my child’s school, and yielded some rather interesting results. I reflected upon my conversations with the teachers, and settled on my listening style being more content-oriented; while my interaction with the children was almost completely people-oriented. I had predicted that my listening style would be more balanced between all of the age groups involved; however, I could not relay many of the details discussed with the children after my volunteering time ended. I am happy to say that I did retain most of the content of my conversations with the teachers, but had no recollection of an emotional impression with t... ... middle of paper ... .... Through the evaluation of reactions from both myself and others, I have realized the significant impact the misuse of a particular listening style may have. These effects reach beyond social and professional environments, and in some cases may produce unintended negative effects with family. I had not realized that the two listening styles I use most commonly could be so incredibly polarized when it comes to employing critical listening. As a result, I have devised appropriate steps which I feel will assist in creating a more balanced conversational environment and improve my overall effectiveness in communication. I was surprised to discover that my listening styles are not always conducive to the environment in which I am listening; however, I am consequently compelled to take the steps necessary to achieve higher-quality communication in every aspect of life.

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