Difference Between Listening And Listening Skills

723 Words2 Pages

Nonverbal Communication and Listening Skills Some may ask what nonverbal communication is. Some may ask why we need listening skills. Nonverbal communication and listening skills are an significant component of communication. We use nonverbal communication to influence others actions. We use listening skills to guarantee that we see each other’s views and minds. As much we learn to decipher nonverbal cues we also require to listen to others in order to be able to find out what others may be attempting to enjoin us. The most common definition found in undergraduate textbooks is that nonverbal communication comprises all behaviors that are not words. (Guerrero, Floyd, pg. 4) Nonverbal communication is highly meta-communicative. We routinely …show more content…

Listening is one important ingredient to success in personal and professional life. Those who master the art of listening will at the very least be regarded positively. (Purdy, Borisoff, pg. 3) We use listening skills in personal life to understand how our family and friends may feel. We practice listening skills in professional life in meetings at work, or listening to the doc when you may be sick or tending to a sick kid. Listening skills are important to ensure that we are understanding how others feel or how to do our jobs more effectively. Not only is listening a valuable skill, it is also conducive to good health. Studies have shown that when we talk our blood pressure goes up; when we listen it goes down (Lynch, 1985, p. 160, Purdy, Borisoff, pg. 3); by these studies, it may be important to understand while at appointments where you may already be nervous. However, listening is not automatic, it requires our full and conscious attention. (Purdy, Borisoff, pg. 7) Ethics are about decision-making and behavior—what is the proper thing to do in any situation. What we should do involves action; and listening, as much as any aspect of communication, is action. As an action, listening (or not listening) has real consequences for people and messages. (Purdy, Borisoff, pg. 14) Listening skills show how to learn certain aspects of our everyday life. We also use listening skills in school as a young child.

Open Document