Listening to the world around you is not often a skill that is
consciously practiced. Nevertheless, it is a skill that is
definitely worth cultivating. Active and engaged listening can help
you to better understand other people, the interactions of society
and the world around you. The more you listen, the more you
learn.
Steps
- Remove distractions and tune in. Turn off the
television or the radio and put down anything else you are reading
or doing. Notice the sounds that are around you. Some of the sounds
may be whirring fans, ticking clocks, whistling birds, rustling
leaves, nearby conversations, buses and truck engines, children
playing games etc. What do these sounds remind you of and how do
they make you feel? Do you find them comforting or distracting? Do
the sounds tell a story and do they motivate you to feel like
writing or creating something of your own?
- Pay attention. Focus on what you are listening
to rather than formulating what you think you should say in reply
to a conversation. What is the other person really trying to say?
Are you digesting their words properly and reading between the
silences and noticing the body language? Let your ears do some of
the assessing for a change. Watch the person's face, eyes and body.
All communicate different things, often more accurately than
words.
- Listen to one thing only. Try listening to one
person or thing at a time. Forget trying to multi-task - instead
give one person, piece of music or gushing waterfall all of your
auditory attention at once. If many elements are present, such as
in symphonic music, try listening to the overall sound as a
holistic sound. It can be a very interesting exercise to try.
- Stop once in a while and just listen to music.
We are so used to having music in the background now that we don't
often make it the sole focus. If it is appropriate, close your eyes
and focus entirely on the sound.
- Use sound as an important memory tool.
Listening is a pathway to learning. Use sound as a memory trigger
when you are studying or learning something new. If you find it
hard to keep listening, for example during a lecture or lesson,
spend some time building up your powers of concentration every day.
Set goals for staying alert an extra 5 minutes each time and use
note taking as a form of helping you to listen.
Tips
- Practice listening with something fun or informative. Get an
audio book or a recording of a humorist or comedian or listen to
the radio.
- Don't listen only to people. Once in a while, tune in to
background noises or the sounds of the city. Better yet, go for a
walk in the woods or the country and listen to the sounds of
nature.
- When listening to someone speak quickly, possibly in a language
different to your native one, always imagine the meanings of what
they're saying and the gist of the conversation rather than
thinking of the specific words and phrases they're using. Don't
think of how you're trying to figure out what they're saying in the
words, think of what they're trying to project to you in the
conversation and form images of it.
- Notice a person's tone of voice, mannerisms, manner of
speaking, and habits. Keep quiet and let the other person talk. In
a conversation, respond with questions, gestures and words that
demonstrate that you are listening. Put yourself in the other
person's shoes. Try to imagine how he or she feels, or what she is
thinking.
Warnings
- Overly loud noises can damage hearing. Wear hearing protection
or cover your ears.
