Unit Two: Listening

Chapter Two – Overview of Listening in Communication

Listening is a skill usually taken for granted especially since we normally consider
ourselves to be good listeners already. Just like eloquence, listening is an important
factor in achieving effective communication. Thus, it is crucial to develop this skill.

Listening will help us stay focused on the message being shared, aid in our
comprehension of the meaning being conveyed, and may even enable us to maintain or
improve our relationships with other people. Improving this ability will also allow us to
understand others better, and will help us learn new ideas and concepts more
efficiently.

Objectives:

After completing this module, you should be able to:

1. State why listening is important;

2. Discuss the models of listening;
3. Put good listening habits into everyday use; and
4. Identify and overcome the barriers to listening

It seems that nowadays people find it more difficult to listen. With the advancement of
technology, the fast paced culture it dictates, and the distractions it poses, the need to
listen has taken a back seat.

Most of us have had the experience of not being listened to, or are guilty of not listening
to someone. During such times, we experience negative emotions such as rejection and
embarrassment, which may affect the communication experience, and ultimately our
relationships. This is why listening needs to be given the attention it deserves.

The Significance of Listening

According to Ang (2009), research shows that listening is the most basic
communications activity in our daily lives. She explains that statistically, we devote
approximately 9% of our time for writing, 16% for reading, 30% for speaking and 45%
for listening. Furthermore, about 90% of the information we gather and retain is
received through our eyes and ears. However, despite the high percentage of our time
devoted to listening, we still do not make use of the skill as much as we should. What
could be the reason behind this? According to Lyman Steil (as stated in Ang, 2009), a
listening consultant, “we are relatively poor listeners, and the level of our listening
effectiveness is only about 50%.” This means that we only hear, evaluate and respond

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Unit Two: Listening

to half of what was said by the sender. This figure will further drop after 48 hours to an
effectiveness level of 25%.

Stuart Chase further asserts (as stated in Ang, 2009), “Listening is the other half of
talking. If people stop listening, it is useless to talk.” This supports the idea that listening
is of utmost importance in effective communication and in maintaining relationships. We
need to develop this skill in order to interact successfully with others. Whatever purpose
we have for communicating, be it to ask for directions, to obtain knowledge, to arrive at
decisions, to evaluate information or to show appreciation, we must understand the
crucial role it plays in achieving purposeful interaction. It is not limited to just formal
speaking situations, but has an integral part in our everyday lives as our attitudes, skills
and behaviors are affected by the listening that we do (Ang, 2009).

Models of Listening (as discussed by Ang, 2009)

In emphatic listening, we listen to understand the feelings and emotions of others.

This means that there is a need to give attention to the sentiments of another person.
Thus, we absorb not only the words that are uttered, but also the emotions of the
sender as these will help us understand and empathize.

In critical listening, we focus directly on what the sender is saying. We, then, use the
obtained information to criticize, evaluate and form opinions about the topic being
discussed. When we listen to speech contestants or to a sales pitch, we weigh and
analyze the message before we decide how to respond.

In appreciative listening, we “listen for pleasure, entertainment or enjoyment.”

In comprehensive listening, we “listen to derive information, facts, ideas and

principles.”

The Purpose in Listening

A listener’s purpose varies from situation to situation. Each one has its own set of
requirements and skills that are needed to achieve the goals of the communication
transaction (Ang, 2009). Experts in the art of listening have identified the following
purposes:
1. To obtain and exchange basic information, thus gaining knowledge.
2. To make intellectual judgments and fair criticism as well as evaluate ideas.
3. To seek enjoyment, entertainment and pleasure.
4. To give logical and intellectual answers.

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Unit Two: Listening

How then, can we, as listeners, contribute to effective communication? The key lies in
us since the skill requires attention and focus only we can control. Whatever barriers or
distractions come our way; its impact can be controlled by how we receive and deal with
it (i.e. our attitude and behavior towards it).

Hearing vs. Listening

Hearing and listening are frequently thought to be synonymous to each other, but in
truth are two different things. This is why it’s important that a clear distinction between
the two must be made (Ang, 2009).

HEARING LISTENING
Hearing is a natural process Listening is more than hearing; it is a
(psychological) of receiving aural and SKILL that needs to be developed.
visual stimuli.
Hearing is the passive phase of speech Listening is the active phase of speech
reception. reception.
Good hearing is needed for effective Listening is a sub-process of
listening. communication that involves not only
hearing
Good hearing is NOT synonymous to good Listening constitutes understanding and
listening. remembering.

Barriers to Effective Listening

The barriers to effective listening may be classified into two major categories: 1)
extrinsic noise; and 2) intrinsic noise.

Extrinsic or external noises are sensory stimuli that draw people away from the
intended meaning of the message. This could be a result of what we hear, see, feel or
even taste during the communication event.

Intrinsic or internal noises are the thoughts and feelings that interfere with the
meaning of the message. These could be a result of our feelings, situation, or even
preconceptions of the sender or the message being delivered.

Let’s examine the following examples:

Extrinsic Noise Intrinsic Noise

Hot or cold room Feeling of pain or hunger

Noisy seatmates Family problem
Uncomfortable chair Financial problem
Videoke music Next hour’s test
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Unit Two: Listening

Loud generator Sleeplessness

Old air conditioner Boredom
Poor motivation of speaker Poor hearing attitude towards the speaker
Speaker’s style Values
Amount of information transmitted Beliefs
Message overload Poor comprehension
Listening only for facts Lack of information or knowledge of the topic
Avoiding difficult material Eagerness to talk
Avoiding misunderstanding Constant self-focus

How to Listen Well

Listening is both a rare skill and a delicate art. It can be learned and developed only
through constant application and steady practice. It will eventually be perfected through
mastery and refinement.

The techniques of listening calls for a deep involvement with the speaker. We must
lend our ear with complete attention and thorough concentration. We also need to shut
out the presence of other persons to completely absorb information. We should be
entirely removed from irrelevant noises and sounds, more importantly, we ought to
listen logically and analytically. While listening, we form pictures and images of what is
being said as well as associate them to certain events and experiences. In doing this,
we gain full understanding of the message.

To elevate the listening to an art, there must be total communion with the speaker.
There has to be complete rapport to create a meaningful dialogue. Not only must we
have a clear picture of the speaker’s idea, we must also have a concept of the
philosophy behind it; that is, the listener must go into the rationale of the idea beyond
the superficial image. In order to attain this level, we must listen creatively, and be
determined to retain the substance of what is being said. In doing this, we refine the raw
information into a finished product and we allow it to become a part of our knowledge
storehouse. This is how listening is elevated from mere hearing.

Guides to Effective Listening

1. Listen not only to the words but for meanings behind the words.
2. Concentrate on the message.
3. Listen with an open mind
4. Give effective feedback
5. Listen critically

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Unit Two: Listening

Activity 2.1

Let’s see how well you can test your ability to follow directions by listening to your
teacher.

1. Choose a partner preferably someone you know very little about.

2. Now imagine that you have suddenly lost your sight. Close your eyes tight or put a
blindfold.
3. Let your partner guide you through the obstacle course. Ask your partner to talk
about and mention obstacles, steps, and special movements you make it to the
finish line.
4. Switch roles; re-arrange the chairs used and repeat steps 1 through 3.

Activity 2.2

Watch your favorite TV show which you think can help you in improving your listening
skills. Record the episode and bring it in class to discuss the following:

1. Cast of the show (It could be the host and the guests.)
2. The topic discussed
3. The relevance of the topic to your daily life
4. Lessons that you learned from watching the TV program
5. Summary of the vocabulary you encountered while watching the show (Discuss the
meaning in the class)
6. *If possible, bring the video recording in the class to view the selected TV program.

References
Adler, M. J. 1983. How to Speak, How to Listen. New York: Macmillan.

Alcazar, T. M., et. al., 1993. Effective Speech and Oral Communication. Manila: CEU.

Ang, J. G. 2009. Oral Communication: A Content-Based and Learning Centered Text-

Manual in Effective Speech Communication. Q.C.: Katha Publishing Inc.

Cabbab, J. A. and Cabbab, F. C. 1994. Speech Communication Manual and Skills

Development. Metro Manila: Bookmark.

Concepcion, P.G., et. al., 1994. Speech Communication

for Filipinos. Q.C.: Rex.

Flores, C. S. et. al. 2000. Effective Speech Communication. Manila: National Bookstore.

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Unit Two: Listening

Go, M. E., et. al. 1997. Communication Improvement for Effective Oral Presentation.
Manila: CEU.

Gronbeck, B. E., et. Al (1993). Principles and Types of Speech Communication. New
York: Harper Collins.

Hedde, G., et. al. 1973. Patterns in Communication. Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott.

Manalo, P. E., et. al. 2006. Fundamental Speech Communication for Filipinos. Manila:
National Bookstore.

Montesa, E. D. 1999. Practical Speech for Filipinos. Manila: MK Imprint.

Romero, P., et. al. 1997. Principles of Speech and Oral Communication. Quezon City:
Katha Publishing Inc.

Samovar, L. A. and Mills, J. 1998. Oral Communication, 10th ed., Boston: McGraw-Hill.

White, E. E. 1960. Practical Speech Fundamentals. New York: The Macmillan Co.

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