Before you can help another person, you need to be able to listen to the other person, a practice that requires active engagement, eye contact, and other signifiers to demonstrate to the speaker that you are following them. Another practice is to rephrase what you heard from the speaker in your own words so that the speaker knows whether or not you understood. Navigate to the University Library and watch the “5 Ways to Listen Better†TEDTalk by Julian Treasure. Pick one of the 5 ways Julian Treasure suggests for listening better and practice it for a few days. Write a 175- to 350-word reflection on the results of your listening practice. What impact did the process have on your listening? How can you incorporate these 5 steps into your life? What difference could they make both personally and professionally? Submit your listening reflection.

Paper For Above instruction

Effective listening is a critical skill that enhances communication, fosters understanding, and builds stronger relationships both personally and professionally. Julian Treasure’s TEDTalk, “5 Ways to Listen Better,” provides practical strategies for improving listening skills, which are often overlooked in everyday interactions. For my reflection, I chose to focus on one of these strategies—‘Sabbath’—which involves taking a break from listening and clearing the mind to genuinely hear and understand others.

Practicing the ‘Sabbath’ technique over several days, I noticed a profound impact on my ability to listen actively. Initially, I found it challenging to disconnect from my internal chatter and distractions, but with deliberate effort, I succeeded in creating moments of mental silence. During conversations, I consciously resisted formulating responses prematurely and instead allowed myself to fully immerse in the speaker’s words. This practice enhanced my attentiveness and reduced misunderstandings, as I became more receptive to the speaker’s message without the interference of preconceived notions or multitasking.

The process also heightened my awareness of the importance of presence. I learned to maintain eye contact and use non-verbal cues such as nodding, which demonstrated genuine engagement. Incorporating the ‘Sabbath’ and other techniques from Treasure’s list—such as RASA (Receive, Appreciate, Summarize, Ask)—can significantly improve communication. These steps foster a deeper connection, enabling both parties to feel heard and respected.

In a personal context, improved listening can deepen relationships by cultivating empathy and understanding. Professionally, it enhances collaboration, reduces conflicts, and increases productivity. For example, in team settings, attentive listening ensures that all voices are acknowledged, leading to more effective decision-making. Going forward, I aim to integrate these strategies into my daily interactions, recognizing that better listening is a continuous practice that requires mindfulness and intentionality. Overall, adopting these techniques will enrich my communication skills and contribute positively to my personal growth and professional success.

References

• Treasure, J. (2014). 5 Ways to Listen Better. TEDx. https://www.ted.com/talks/julian_treasure_5_ways_to_listen_better
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