How to Improve Distraction as a Barrier in Listening
Listening is a skill we learn throughout our lives. It takes practice to be a good listener and is not always an easy thing to do. Distraction in listening is caused by internal and external factors such as our surroundings and our thoughts. Learning to tune these distractions out and focus on our speaker is a key skill in becoming a better listener.
Instructions
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Be present when listening to others. This means being fully aware of the moment you are in. Do not let outside distractions in your environment such as noise, traffic, or crying children interfere with your listening skills. Also, tune out the thoughts that go through your head and concentrate on what the speaker is saying to you. Do not think ahead to how you will respond to your speaker, but listen to what the speaker is saying to you.
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Watch the speaker closely. Watch his lips and facial expressions to glean meaning from his words. Look closely at your speaker's body language which will convey his true meaning. When you are fully present by watching your speaker closely, you are able to tune out most distractions in your environment.
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Sounds that cannot be tuned out such as loud street traffic or construction zones will call for relocation to a quieter area or surroundings. Move off the street into a building or side street to hear your speaker more completely and clearly.
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Repeat back what your speaker has said to you to clarify his meaning and be sure you have heard him correctly. Your speaker will appreciate your listening skills and that you have his full attention and will reciprocate in kind. This will also make sure you have not missed what your speaker is saying if you are dealing with unavoidable distractions.
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References
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