Career Education

 If you ask a one word description of listening, some would say hearing; however, hearing is physical.  Listening is following and understanding the sound---it is hearing with a purpose  Extension of Golden Rule: think about how you would want to be listened to  Takes some practice to develop the skill of active listening

 Maintain a Constructive Attitude  A positive attitude paves the way for open mindedness  Strive to Pay Attention  Attentive listening means the ideas and information being presented are being processed  Capacity for Adjustment  Be able to adjust for the content of the presentation  Adjust feelings or views toward a subject

 Better understand assignments and what is expected of you  Resolve problems and answer questions  Build rapport with co-workers, bosses, and clients  Work better in a team-based environment  Show support to others  Find underlying meaning in what others say

 Face the speaker  Sit up straight or lean forward slightly  Show attentiveness with your body through posture, hands, feet, eyes, face  Maintain eye contact  Focus, but do not gaze or stare at the communicator  Take notes, but stay focused and involved  If your eyes do not wander, perhaps your mind won’t

 Minimize distractions  Put away all other items including your phone  Do not log onto the computer  Sit quietly without fidgeting  Keep an open mind  Wait until the speaker is finished before deciding if you agree or disagree  Do not interrupt the speaker  Wait until the speaker is finished before asking questions

 Respond to speaker’s questions  Answer appropriately  Get involved in the presentation  Ask Questions  Write down questions to ask  Ask questions at end of presentation, do not interrupt

 Stay in your seat  Unless directed otherwise by speaker or teacher  No restroom break, throwing trash away, etc.  Shortest Path to exit  If you must leave for a previously approved reason, use shortest path to exit that minimizes disruption  Do not criticize the Speaker  Good listeners look for the ideas being presented, not for things to criticize