Anything that hampers listening sets up barriers that prevent understanding and closes the door to the ultimate goal of communication – producing constructive action. Barriers to listening are found in physical situations, in attitudes, and in behavior. Awareness of barriers allows you to take appropriate action to keep the door to communication open.
Physical Barriers
Environmental barriers are the easiest to overcome. You can close a door to reduce distracting noise. You can schedule a conversation at a time when interruption can be controlled. You can arrange to be in a comfortable physical environment before attempting an important communication session.
Perhaps the most difficult physical barrier to overcome is the rate of speed with which the human mind thinks. Average
conversation proceeds at approximately 125 words a minute – less if the information is complex. But you can think at a rate of 400 to 600 words a minute. The listener’s brain has quite a bit of leisure time available; as a result, the mind of the listener may take a side trip and fail to get back on track in time to capture information being presented. The speed at which the brain generally processes information presents a significant physical concentration and attention barrier.
Two excellent tools are available to overcome this physical barrier and focus the brain’s processing power:
• Organizing.
Everyone whose work involves more than one basic task is accustomed to organizing activities, ideas, and objects.
Apply this same skill to listening. Mentally organize what you hear as you listen. Follow the speaker’s logic, taking notes if that helps your concentration.• Analyzing.
As you listen, analyze the ideas you hear. Compare them with information you already know; look for logical cause and effect relationships.
Stay Tuned for Part 2 – Attitude Barriers…
LMI Journal 2012
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