Anticipate the Common Obstacles to Listening
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Active listening—listening that is focused and purposeful— isn’t possible under conditions that distract us.9 As you listen to speeches, try to identify and overcome some common obstacles.
Minimize External and Internal Distractions
A listening distraction is anything that competes for the attention we are trying to give to something else. Distractions can originate outside of us, in the environment (external distractions), or within us, in our thoughts and feelings (internal distractions).
To minimize external listening distractions, such as the din of jackhammers or competing conversations, try to anticipate and plan for them. If you struggle to see or hear at a distance, arrive early and sit in the front. To reduce internal listening distractions, avoid daydreaming, be well rested, monitor yourself for lapses in attention, and consciously focus on listening.
Checklist: Dealing with Distractions While Delivering a Speech
Problem: Passing distractions (chatting, entry of latecomers)
Solution: Pause until distraction recedes
Problem: Ongoing noise (construction)
Solution: Raise speaking volume
Problem: Sudden distraction (collapsing chair, falling object)
Solution: Minimize response and proceed
Problem: Audience interruption (raised hand, monologue)
Solution: Acknowledge audience reaction and either follow up or defer response to conclusion of speech
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Guard against Scriptwriting and Defensive Listening
When we engage in scriptwriting, we focus on what we, rather than the speaker, will say next.11 Similarly, people who engage in defensive listening decide either that they won’t like what the speaker is going to say or that they know better. When you find yourself scriptwriting or listening with a defensive posture, remind yourself that effective listening precedes effective rebuttal.12 Try waiting for the speaker to finish before devising your own arguments.
Beware of Laziness and Overconfidence
Laziness and overconfidence can manifest themselves in several ways: We may expect too little from speakers, ignore important information, or display an arrogant attitude. Later, we discover we missed important information. Never assume that you already know exactly what a speaker will say; you’ll seldom be right.
Work to Overcome Cultural Barriers
Differences in dialects or accents, nonverbal cues, word choice, and even physical appearance can serve as barriers to listening, but they need not if you keep your focus on the message rather than the messenger. Consciously refrain from judging a speaker on the basis of his or her accent, appearance, or demeanor; focus instead on what is actually being said. Whenever possible, reveal your needs to him or her by asking questions.
When speaking, the following will minimize confusion:
- Watch for idioms, or colloquial expressions such as “apple of his eye,” that non-native speakers might not know. Either eliminate or define them.
- Speak at a rate that is neither too fast nor too slow. Pay particular attention to pronunciation and articulation.
- Be alert to nonverbal cues that suggest that listeners may not comprehend you, and clarify points when indicated.