1. The Seven Deadly Habits of Bad Listening

2. Roadblocks Tuning out dull topics Faking attention MEGO
Listen for something useful
Faking attention
Don’t assume the speaker just wants you to look attentive.
Create a mental paraphrase.

3. Roadblocks Yielding to distractions
Concentration
Criticizing delivery or physical appearance
Be generous
Jumping to conclusions
Be patient and wait for speaker’s position

4. Roadblocks Overreacting to emotional words Interrupting
Stay calm and wait until they finish.
Then review and make up your mind.
Interrupting
We never listen when we are eager to speak. La Rochefoucauld
Don’t be a bore.

5. Filters
We all have them and experience them when listening to a speaker.
They can be a major roadblock to listening.
It can prevent genuine communication.

6. Filters To overcome filters, make a conscious effort to:
Refrain from judging or evaluating the speaker.
Focus your attention on the message.
The problem of discussion is the enemy.
Search for areas where you agree.
Keep an open mind.

7. Filters
When communicating with those of a different cultural or ethical background and who may have different filters than you, do the following:
Be patient
Pay closer attention to body language
Hold your temper when you disagree.
Try hard to put yourself in the speaker’s position.