Listening - Section 3
Just because someone hears another person’s words does not mean that they are really listening or comprehending what that person is saying. There is, after all, a big difference between hearing and listening.
Sample
The Art of Questioning
Part of your job when actively listening is to help the speaker convey their thoughts. You can ask strategic questions to help guide the speaker and fill in the gaps in their message. There are two types of questions, closed and open. Closed questions would be answered with a yes or no, whereas open questions require information to answer them.
Typically you would use a closed question for confirmation and open questions to receive specific information, broaden the conversation, or to direct the conversation.
Broadening
These questions require a detailed response that will bring in more information and broaden the discussion.
“Megan, you’ve provided us information about the new technology they are using at Super Corporation and it appears to be exciting. How do you think we can start to develop similar technology?”
Section Contents
- The Difference between Hearing and Listening
- The Importance of Being a Good Listener
- The Causes of Poor Listening
- Steps to Becoming a Better Listener
- Selective Listening
- Listen in Context
- Listen for Facts, Not Opinions
- Active Listening
- The Art of Questioning
- Broadening
- Clarifying or Confirming
- Questioning Example
- Working with Emotions
- Acknowledgement the Speaker
