Final answer:
Listening presents unique problems because it is often viewed as passive, confused with mere hearing, and distracts people from focusing on the speaker's message. Active engagement in listening is vital for effective communication, as it involves both empathy and attentive response. To be a good listener, one should exhibit empathy, comprehend complex emotions, and engage actively, just as with good reading practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
Listening as a communication process presents unique problems which include that it is perceived as a passive process, whereas other communication skills like speaking, writing, and reading are seen as active processes. The challenges in effective communication through listening are exacerbated because many tend to equate listening with merely hearing, without engaging with the content. Additionally, during the act of listening, rather than focusing on what is being said, people sometimes preoccupy themselves with planning their own response, effectively not listening.
Effective listening is also essential for oral communication, as it encompasses understanding the emotions and ideas conveyed through tone, body language, and word emphasis. Actively engaging in discussions and meetings by asking questions and offering ideas demonstrates active listening and shows interest and involvement.
Being a good listener mirrors some traits of being a good reader, involving empathy and attention to the speaker's perspective. Whether in written or oral formats, communicators must consider their audience to ensure their message is accessible and resonates with them. Like reading, listening requires engagement and should not be a passive activity to maximize comprehension and connection.
Qualities of a Good Listener
- Empathy towards the speaker
- Understanding the underlying emotion and complexity of the message
- Active engagement through body language and responses