HANS RAJ MAHILA MAHA VIDYALAYA � JALANDHAR ��

TOPICS�� BARRIERS AND EFFECTIVE

Table of content :-

• Introduction of Listening skill
• Barriers of Listening skill
• Types of Barriers
• Effective of Listening skill

INTRODUCTION OF LISTENING SKILL

Listening is a process of receiving, interpreting and reacting to the messages received from the communication sender. Effective listening is an art of communication, which is often taken for granted and ignored. Like any other art, listening require to be cultivated consciously and carefully. Unfortunately, our education systems beginning from kindergarten up to college level do not pay attention to the teaching of effective listening. Poor listening can be considered, as a mighty barrier to communication as listening is fundamental to all communication. It often results in losing messages due to improper functioning of communication. Listening require conscious efforts of interpreting the sounds, grasping the meanings of the words and reacting to the message. Interpreting the sound signals is a cognitive act, which depends on the listener’s knowledge of the code signals and on its attitude towards the communication sender. Active listening process begins when the listener pays attention to some audible sound signals and permits himself to interpret those sounds cognitively. It is a conscious process. Every human being possesses the ability to select from the sounds around him. But the selective listening is not an automatic process like that of hearing. An individual may hear many sounds but he may listen to none of them. Types of listening We may ‘sit back’ and listen to a song sung by a little girl or to the music on a radio broadcast, but when we are to take part in communication, it is necessary to ‘sit up’ and listen carefully.

While listening, it is essential to concentrate on what a person is saying, but it would be wrong to neglect his ‘looks’ because his ‘looks’ can supply us with physical and non-verbal signs. Though non -verbal signs give us reliable information, the listener should not be carried away with the thoughts on the physical appearance of the speaker. The listener must understand properly the feelings and sentiments of the speaker. Usually we listen with interest the message, which is to our advantage, but we should take equal interest in the speeches, which consist of a message to the advantage of the speaker.When it is possible to hear a message clearly without any physical distraction, the listener must become active in attending the message. If noises interfere with the physical reception of the message, the listener has to prepare his mind to concentrate on the selected signals and should not allow himself to be distracted by the noises. In such situation, a good listener has to exercise a good deal of mental discipline over himself in order to concentrate properly on the message being transmitted by the speaker. A careful listener never jumps to conclusions about what the speaker says till the latter completes his message.The non- active listeners are poor listeners who remember the specific facts presented by the speaker and tend to forget the central idea.

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Barriers of listening skill

• Understanding Barriers for Better Listening Now that you have a better understanding of the functions and styles of listening, we will discuss the barriers to listening. A barrier to listening is anything that is hindering you from recognizing, understanding, and accurately interpreting the message that you are receiving. We’ll discuss four barriers to effective listening: information overload, prejudice or prejudging, rate of speech and thought, and internal and external distractions. When you have a better understanding of the potential barriers to effective listening, you can pinpoint your weaknesses and work on building them up to make you a better listener. A barrier to listening is anything that is hindering you from recognizing, understanding, and accurately interpreting the message that you are receiving. We'll discuss four barriers to effective listening: information overload, prejudice or prejudging, rate of speech and thought, and internal and external distractions

Types of Barrriers

• Physical distractions :-Physical distractions are anything that interferes with your ability to focus on the speaker and the message. They can include background noise, interruptions, phone calls, emails, multitasking, or poor lighting. To overcome physical distractions, you need to create a conducive environment for listening. You can do this by reducing or eliminating the sources of noise, closing the door or window, turning off or silencing your devices, paying attention to your posture and eye contact, and avoiding distractions such as checking your watch .
• Physical Barriers:- These referred to distraction in the environment such as the sound of an air conditioner , cigarette smoke, or an overheated room. It cainterfere the Listening process. They could also be in the form of information overload. For example, if you are in meeting with your manager and the phone rings and your mobile beeps at the same time to let u know that you have the message. It is very hard to listen carefully to what is being said. Arriving late for a speech, presentation or lecture. Therefore unavailability of listeners. Speaker or listener being distracted by disturbances will also be coming into physical barrier category.

• Semantic barriers :- Semantic barriers are anything that causes confusion or misunderstanding due to the use of language or symbols. They can include jargon, technical terms, slang, acronyms, ambiguous words, or different interpretations. To overcome semantic barriers, you need to clarify and confirm the meaning and intention of the message. You can do this by asking questions, paraphrasing, summarizing, giving feedback, using simple and clear language, and avoiding assumptions or stereotypes.

• Cultural barriers :-Cultural barriers are anything that creates differences or conflicts due to the diverse backgrounds, values, beliefs, or norms of the speaker and the listener. They can include language barriers, accents, gestures, eye contact, personal space, or etiquette. To overcome cultural barriers, you need to respect and appreciate the diversity and uniqueness of the speaker and the listener. You can do this by learning about the culture and customs of the speaker, being sensitive and polite, avoiding jokes or sarcasm, adapting your communication style, and seeking common ground. Accents can be barriers to listening, since they interfere with the ability to understand the meaning of words that are pronounced differently. The problem of different accents arises not only between cultures, but also within a culture. For example, in a country like India where there is enormous cultural diversity, accents may differ even between regions states.
• Feedback barriers :- Feedback barriers are anything that prevents or hinders the exchange of information and opinions between the speaker and the listener. They can include interruptions, arguments, criticism, defensiveness, or lack of response. To overcome feedback barriers, you need to encourage and facilitate constructive and positive feedback. You can do this by listening actively and attentively, asking for feedback, giving feedback respectfully and tactfully, acknowledging and appreciating feedback, and resolving any conflicts or disagreements.

• Psychological distractions :-Psychological distractions are anything that affects your mental or emotional state and prevents you from listening attentively. They can include stress, fatigue, boredom, anxiety, anger, prejudice, or personal biases. To overcome psychological distractions, you need to manage your emotions and attitudes. You can do this by being aware of your feelings and thoughts, taking breaks or deep breaths, being open-minded and respectful, and acknowledging or addressing any issues that may affect your listening . some people may have genuine hearing problems or deficiencies that prevent them from listening properly. It can be treated. Some people may have problem in processing information or retaining information in the memory. For example Lack of concentration/interest.

• Listening habits :- Listening habits are the patterns or behaviors that you have developed over time and that affect your listening skills. They can include selective listening, passive listening, interrupting, jumping to conclusions, or making judgments. To overcome listening habits, you need to change and improve your listening habits. You can do this by being aware of your listening habits, setting a goal to improve your listening skills, practicing and applying the tips and strategies mentioned above, and seeking feedback and support from others
• Gender Barriers :- communication research has shown that gender can be barrier to listening. Studies have revealed that men and women listen very differently and for different purposes. Women are more likely to listen for the emotion behind a speaker’s words, when men listen more for the facts and the content.8

• Bad Listening Habits :- Most people are very average listeners who have developed poor listening habits that are hard to said and that act as barriers to listening. For example, some people have the habits of “faking” attention, or trying to look like a listeners, in order to impress the speaker and to assure him that they are paying attention. Others may tend to listen to each and every fact and, as a result, miss out the main point. For example Judging the speaker by his/her mannerisms, voice, appearance, accent, etc
• Lack of Training :- Listening is not an inborn skill. People are not born good listeners. It is developed through practice and training. Lack of training in listing skills is an important barrier. In lack of training people do avoid listening to difficult, boring or complex information and selectively listen only to what is considered interesting.
• Wrong Assumptions :- The success of communication depend on the both the sender and receiver. It is wrong to assume that communication is the sole responsibility of the sender or the speaker and that listeners have no role to play. Such an assumption can be big barrier to listening. For example, a brilliant speech or presentation, however well delivered, is wasted if the receiver is not listening at the other end. Listeners have as much responsibility as speakers to make the communication successful. The process should be made successful by paying attention seeking clarifications and giving feedback. Another example :Assuming that the speaker is going to give some unimportant information Pre-judgements about the speaker .

Effective of listening

• According to a study from the University of Minnesota, people only remember about half of what was said immediately after listening to someone else talk. This information is quite concerning considering how essential communication is for success and growth in the business world. Whether you feel like your own listening skills could be improved or that your business is suffering due to ineffective listening, understanding the common barriers to effective listening can help you make the necessary changes to improve communication. Some obstacles that stand in the way of listening effectively are physical and environmental, while others might be psychological, emotional, or cultural. When you're communicating in the office, several elements are all interacting– namely, the speaker, the listener, and the environment. Therefore, if miscommunication is a frequent problem, identifying where the issue stems from is the first step in creating a more productive workplace.

• What Is Effective Listening?
• When an individual effectively listens, they are actively absorbing the information they are receiving. In addition, they provide feedback to the person that is speaking, so they understand that they are being heard. Their body language and facial expressions show they are interested and listening . In a busy, tech-driven world, it is more challenging than ever for people to be present enough to listen to one another There are countless benefits to promoting a workplace that engages in effective listening, including. Being able to solve problems better .Improving accuracy Building relationships Ensuring understanding Less wasted time Fewer errors Luckily, effective listening is a skill that can be developed with practice. Let's take a look at some of the common barriers to effective listening to help you overcome the obstacles that might be standing in the way of optimal communication.

• Barriers to effective listening are present at every stage of the listening process . At the receiving stage, noise can block or distort incoming stimuli. At the interpreting stage, complex or abstract information may be difficult to relate to previous experiences, making it difficult to reach understanding. At the recalling stage, natural limits to our memory and challenges toconcentration can interfere with remembering. At the evaluating stage, personal biases and prejudices can lead us to block people out or assume we know what they are going to say. At the responding stage, a lack of paraphrasing and questioning skills can lead to misunderstanding. In the following section, we will explore how environmental and physical factors, cognitive and personal factors, and bad listening practices present barriers to effective listening.

• The skill of effective listening benefits personal growth and development in the following ways:• Enhances productivity: When we do develop the habit of listening attentively and improve our concentration then definitely we will be able to do our work more efficiently. The skill of listening makes one a good resource too for various works as concentration level improves too.• Improves relations : Relationships are damaged by misunderstandings that can lead to unsatisfactory business transactions as well as hurt feelings in personal relationships. Excellent listening practices tell others that they are important, special, and what they have to say is valued. That is very attractive and contributes to strong relationships• Avoids conflicts : Listening attentively improves understanding level of a person. He/she will listen more and speak less which will automatically reduce the conflicts in his/her relationships. When people understand better they don’t argue and so situation of conflicts will rarely occur.• Improves understanding: (Reduces Misunderstanding)Regardless of the clarity of written or spoken messages, the effective listener can prevent misunderstandings and salvage what otherwise might be a miscommunication by practicing active listening skills• Improves negotiation skills (Effective Communication ):Clear and concise transmission of information is an important component of effective human interaction. Though the onus is often placed on presenting clear and concise written or spoken directions, the listener also bears a responsibility to hear and understand messages.

• Adds to your Image & Personality(Personal Growth):-A person learns and grows by listening and understanding other viewpoints, differing ideas, and exploring conflicting viewpoints. Learning the skill of active and effective listening not only adds a tool to the personal development portfolio, but equips you to continue growing with tools for exploring new ideas .Ways to improve Listening skill Hearing and Listening are two different activity. Hearing is passive whereas Listening is active. Listening is a psychological process. It can therefore be improved by regular practice. Listening is a very helpful skill. Active listening is really an extension of the Golden Rule.

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Here are some of the tips which can help the person to improve his Listening skill :-

• 1. Face the speaker. Sit up straight or lean forward slightly to show your attentiveness through body language.
• 2. Maintain eye contact, to the degree that you all remain comfortable.
• 3. Minimize external distractions. Turn off the TV. Put down your book or magazine, and ask the speaker and other listeners to do the same.
• 4. Respond appropriately to show that you understand. Murmur (“uh-huh” and “um-hmm”) and nod. Raise your eyebrows. Say words such as “Really,” “Interesting,” as well as more direct prompts: “What did you do then?” and “What did she say?”
• 5. Focus solely on what the speaker is saying. Try not to think about what you are going to say next. The conversation will follow a logical flow after the speaker makes her point.
• 6. Minimize internal distractions. If your own thoughts keep horning in, simply let them go and continuously re-focus your attention on the speaker, much as you would during meditation.
• 7. Keep an open mind. Wait until the speaker is finished before deciding that you disagree. Try not to make assumptions about what the speaker is thinking.
• 8. Avoid letting the speaker know how you handled a similar situation. Unless they specifically ask for advice, assume they just need to talk it out .

Conclusion

• In conclusion, active listening is a crucial skill that requires our full attention, empathy, and an open mind. Overcoming the barriers to active listening requires us to be aware of our biases, eliminate distractions, and actively work to connect with the speaker.

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