Fill in the blank space in the following passage with the most appropriate word. Most people are poor listeners. Even when we think we are listening carefully, we usually 1...... only half of what is said, and retain even...2. let our thoughts wander ...4. Improving your listening skills can be helpful in every part of your life, including speech making. The best speakers are often the best listeners. The most important cause of poor listening is giving ...3.. to physical and mental distractions Many time we than concentrate on what is being said. Sometimes however, we listen too hard. We try to remember ...5........ ... word a speaker says, and we lose the main message by concentrating on details in other situations to conclusions and prejudge a speaker without hearing out the message. Finally, we often judge people by their appearance or speaking manner instead of listening to what they say. You .......... we may ...6... overcome these poor listening...8........ by taking several steps. First, take listening seriously. Think of listening as an active process and commit yourself to becoming a better listener. Second, .9.. distractions Make an effort to keep your mind on ...10. the speaker is saying. Third, try not to be diverted by appearance or delivery.