Why We Don‟t Listen:

Why We Don‟t Listen: There are many reasons why many of us don‟t listen effectively.

o Rate of comprehension. We can comprehend much faster than we can speak. Most
of us speak about 125 to 150 words per minute, while we comprehend about 600
to 800 words per minute. If we don‟t concentrate, that extra time could be spent
thinking about unrelated issues, and the key ideas in a presentation or
conversation could be lost.
o Competition. External distractions also compete for our attention: „physical
noise‟ (ringing telephone, conversation nearby, etc.)
o Time. Sometimes we just don‟t have time to listen because other items seem more
important. Remember that not all conversations take place at your convenience,
and if you can‟t make the time to listen, someone else will. (However, some
people may want to monopolize all of your time with conversation: tactfully stop
this kind of behaviour so you don‟t spend critical time listening to somebody who
should not be heard!)
o Lack of Training. In school we learned how to speak, read, and write; yet few of
us learned how to listen. Now, both schools and companies are realizing this
deficiency in education and are offering courses in the area.
o Negative Responses. Often people fail to listen to a speaker because they respond
negatively to external factors such as speaker‟s clothes, hairstyle, accent or smell.
A good listener, however, will not let negative responses get in the way of
concentrating on what is being said.
o Emotions. Emotions often get in the way of effective listening, particularly during
confrontations.
o Bias, or Prejudice.
Listening for Facts:
o Resist distractions: concentrate on key ideas being presented. Try taking notes; it
may help you to listen.
o Remember key words: Listen carefully for key ideas. Remember key words
associated with them. Remembering five key words will help you remember five
major topics presented.
o Review key concepts. Since your comprehension rate is faster than your speaking
rate, use the extra time to review the key words and key concepts.
o Set aside your own bias. Even if you disagree with what the speaker is saying,
continue paying attention. The speaker may place new light on the issue or may
introduce a new concept.
o Work hard to listen. Extend yourself mentally and physically to become a better
listener.