It sounds simple. All you have to do is pay attention to the words that another person is saying to be an effective listener. But effective listening is more than paying attention, and there are barriers that sometimes have to be overcome to listen effectively. Effective listening is necessary for there to be effective communication, whether it is in the classroom, at work or in a personal relationship. There may be barriers to effective listening, but understanding these barriers can help you to overcome them and become a more effective listener.
Emotions
When you are emotionally charged, you can have a tendency to tune out the external world. The emotions that are churning below the surface become the center of attention. To listen effectively, attention needs to be on the person who is speaking, not on your inner turmoil.
Distractions
Sounds and visual images can be distractions that detract from your ability to listen effectively. For example, if the television is on in the background, and a favorite show is playing, this distraction can contribute to your inability to listen effectively.
Prejudgments
During a conversation, you may have prejudged what the other person is trying to say even before the words come out. These prejudgments are a barrier to effective listening. In a sense, these prejudgments have the effect of a closed mind, and a closed mind is a barrier to effective listening.
Filters
Some people can occasionally hear what they want to hear. The words that are spoken are filtered by you so that your desires are met. This can be countered by repeating in different words what has been said so that the speaker can make clarifications.
Internal Distractions
Internal distractions, such as daydreaming and having financial problems, can detract from your ability to be an effective listener. Internal distractions need to be set aside or compartmentalized to listen effectively.
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