Lecture 11 Listening

Summary

In this lecture, the distinction between hearing and listening is explored, emphasizing that while hearing is the physiological ability to identify sounds, listening involves actively paying attention to and understanding those sounds. The speaker discusses the importance of being a good listener in a world dominated by distractions and social media, highlighting the need to make a conscious choice to listen and overcome biases that may hinder effective communication. Strategies for active listening, such as setting listening goals and removing distractions, are also presented to enhance communication skills.

Takeaways

• 🔊 Listening vs. Hearing: The script emphasizes the difference between hearing, which is the ability to identify sounds, and listening, which involves paying attention to and understanding the information from those sounds.
• 👂 Active Engagement: Being a good listener means actively paying attention to what is being said, rather than just passively hearing sounds.
• 🤔 Choosing to Listen: Listening is a conscious choice; one must decide to focus on and engage with the speaker's message.
• 📱 Distractions: The script highlights the impact of distractions, such as social media and personal thoughts, on our ability to listen effectively.
• 💭 Inner Dialogue: Our own internal monologue or emotional state can act as a barrier to listening, and we must sometimes quiet our minds to focus on what is being communicated.
• 🌐 Selective Listening: We tend to selectively listen based on various biases, including the speaker's identity, our preconceived notions, and the content of the message.
• 📚 Academic Credibility: The script uses an anecdote to illustrate that a person's ability to teach a subject is not necessarily limited by their background or ethnicity.
• 👥 Cultural Sensitivity: Being a good listener includes overcoming cultural barriers, such as understanding and accommodating different accents and belief systems.
• 🚫 Avoiding Defensive Listening: It's important not to interrupt or preemptively judge what someone is going to say, as this can hinder true understanding and communication.
• 📝 Active Listening Techniques: The script suggests several techniques for active listening, such as setting listening goals, giving full attention, and taking notes.
• 🌐 Global Accent Awareness: Everyone has an accent from the perspective of another community, reminding us to be understanding and patient with different ways of speaking.

Q & A

What is the main difference between hearing and listening according to the lecture?

Hearing deals with our ability to identify sounds, while listening involves paying attention to those sounds and understanding the information coming from them.

Why is it important to distinguish between hearing and listening in communication?

It is important because you can hear a sound without understanding its meaning. Effective communication requires not just detecting sounds but also comprehending the message being conveyed.

What does the lecturer suggest is a common issue in today's mediated and social media-driven world?

The lecturer suggests that a common issue is the distraction caused by social media and other digital mediums, which can hinder active listening when someone is speaking to us.

What does the lecturer mean by 'listening is a choice'?

The lecturer means that we have to consciously decide to focus our attention on the speaker and the message they are conveying, rather than being passively exposed to sounds.

Can you provide an example from the script where the lecturer shares a personal anecdote about not being fully present during a conversation?

The lecturer shares an anecdote about being on their phone and mindlessly scrolling Facebook while their partner is speaking, which is a habit they are trying to improve.

What is 'selective listening' as discussed in the lecture?

Selective listening refers to the phenomenon where individuals choose to whom they listen based on various factors, such as personal biases, the speaker's identity, or the content of the message.

How does the lecturer use their academic background to explain the qualifications of a Japanese professor teaching African history?

The lecturer explains that the Japanese professor was educated by one of the top African history professors in the world, indicating that her academic lineage and training qualify her to teach the subject effectively.

What advice does the lecturer give for dealing with distractions when trying to be a better listener?

The lecturer advises to eliminate distractions, such as putting away the phone or pausing other activities, to focus fully on the speaker and the message being conveyed.

What is 'defensive listening' and why is it problematic according to the lecture?

Defensive listening is when a person listens not to understand but to prepare a response, often interrupting the speaker. It is problematic because it prevents genuine understanding and open communication.

How does the lecturer address the issue of cultural barriers in listening?

The lecturer discusses the importance of overcoming biases and barriers such as accents and different belief systems to ensure effective communication and understanding.

What is 'active listening' and what are some techniques mentioned in the lecture to engage in it?

Active listening is the process of fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and then remembering what is being said. Techniques mentioned include identifying listening needs, setting a listening goal, giving eye contact, taking notes, and removing distractions.