My Listening Habits

3 Pages 874 Words

While doing this listening habits paper I learned many things that I never noticed before. The good listening skill I already have acquired help out a lot when I am communicating with someone. I found it interesting that there were more than one area of weakness that I need to work on. By doing the listening habits inventory and writing this paper I was able to realize what little changes I could make to make myself a good listener and a better communicator.
I find that it is difficult or impossible for me to listen when there are distractions. I believe it is hard for me to concentrate on what a person is saying whenever other people are talking loud around us or when there is loud music or any type of loud noise. I find it so difficult because I can’t devote my undivided attention to them. This is bad because if it is something really important they are trying to tell me I won’t hear everything due to the noise. I could improve this bad habit by drowning out all of the noise and focusing all of my attention on the message the sender is trying to send.
When listening to others I privately criticize their delivery and personal appearance. I do this unintentionally and realize I am doing it after I have already offended someone. This is a bad habit because I can sometimes hurt someone’s feelings without meaning to. I have a habit of correcting people when I feel their speech and grammar are wrong. I also tend to be uncomfortable around individuals who come of as being unclean. They can tell by my facial expressions. I could improve this bad habit by looking past the sender’s physical appearance and their poor ability to speak well.
I pretend that I am listening when I am not. If a senders is trying to deliver a message that I don’t care to hear about I still pretend I am listening to be respectful towards their feelings. I will sometimes repeat the last thing they say so they will think I am listening. I tr...