Are You A Good Listener? This Discussion Asks You To Tell

Are You A Good Listener This Discussion Asks You To Tell Your Group

Describe one thing you do well as a listener and tell a story about the last time you demonstrated this skill, including who you were listening to, what they were sharing, what the listening skill was, and the impact it had. Then, identify one listening skill you need to improve, and share a story about a recent instance where you did not demonstrate this skill effectively, including the same four details.

Paper For Above instruction

Effective listening is a crucial component of communication that fosters understanding, trust, and meaningful relationships. As individuals, our listening skills can vary significantly, affecting our interactions and the quality of our relationships. In this essay, I will reflect on one aspect of my listening skills that I consider my strength, supported by a personal anecdote, and also identify an area for improvement, illustrating this with a relevant experience.

One listening thing that I do well:

I believe that I am particularly good at paraphrasing and summarizing what the speaker has said to ensure clarity and show that I am engaged. My ability to actively listen by reflecting back the key points helps the speaker feel heard and validated, facilitating open communication.

Story of a time I did well:

Recently, I was talking with my female colleague from work about her frustrations with a problematic project. She was sharing details about the challenges she faced and the obstacles caused by certain team members. During the conversation, I made a conscious effort to paraphrase her concerns, saying, “It sounds like you're feeling overwhelmed by the conflicting expectations from the team and the tight deadlines.” This simple yet effective strategy made her smile and nod affirmatively. The impact was significant; she felt understood and appreciated, which encouraged her to open up further about her frustrations and possible solutions. This not only strengthened our professional relationship but also promoted a more collaborative work environment.

One listening thing that I need to improve:

I recognize that I sometimes interrupt the speaker before they have finished their thoughts, especially when I am eager to share my opinion or clarify something. This habit can hinder the flow of conversation and make the speaker feel undervalued or unheard.

Story of a time I did not do so well:

Last month, I was having a conversation with a close friend about her recent breakup. She was recounting her feelings and the events leading up to the breakup. However, I found myself interrupting her multiple times, jumping in with my advice and observations, rather than letting her fully express herself. I realized I was doing this when she paused and looked at me with a slightly disappointed expression. The effect was that she appeared less open and hesitant to share further, and I sensed that I had inadvertently diminished the depth of our communication. This experience highlighted the importance of practicing patience and restraint, allowing the speaker to articulate their thoughts completely.

In conclusion, listening skills are essential for effective communication and relationship building. My strength in paraphrasing helps foster understanding, but my tendency to interrupt needs improvement. By becoming more mindful and practicing active, patient listening, I can enhance my interactions further. Continuous effort to refine these skills will not only benefit my personal relationships but also improve my professional communication.

References

• Brown, P., & Levinson, S. C. (1987). Politeness: Some Universals in Language Usage. Cambridge University Press.
• Gordon, T. (2014). The Importance of Active Listening in Communication. Journal of Communication Studies, 45(3), 245-260.
• Rogers, C. R., & Farson, R. E. (1957). Active listening. Harvard Business Review, 35(1), 24-39.
• Nichols, M. P. (2009). The Lost Art of Listening: How Learning to Listen Can Improve Relationships. Guilford Press.
• Wertheim, M. (2018). Listening Skills and Empathy: Building Better Relationships. New York: Routledge.
• Floyd, K. (2014). Interpersonal Communication. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Schulz von Thun, F. (1981). Miteinander Reden (The Four-Side Model). Rowohlt Verlag.
• Stewart, J., & Redding, C. (2008). Effective Communication Skills. University of Michigan Press.
• Adair, J. (2009). The Necessity of Listening. Kogan Page.
• Carnegie, D. (1936). How to Win Friends and Influence People. Simon & Schuster.