July 3, 2007
Are you Listening?
by Jossette Santos
Communication is essential. Whether it be verbal or non-verbal. In a Christian's life, speech is expected to be edifying, positive and free from corrupt words. We are to be slow to speak, slow to anger but quick to listen.
Communication, according to the article “ Communication Skills for Managers,” should always project and contain four aspects: (1) a knowledge of the issues discussed, (2) an attitude of cooperation, (3) positive and specific statements, (4) a definite purpose ( share or seek information, show appreciation, congratulate, request or persuade, offer services, etc.).
The most effective form of communication is the face-to-face discussion, where it provides time to validate immediately the message being transmitted and received. In the Christian life, we have Jesus Christ as our model of the Communicator.
Jesus, through His Words, actions, silence conveyed His message of hope, salvation, healing, grace and love. Jesus did not only speak with power that can transform lives, but He also listened with His gracious heart.
According to the article, “Communication Skills for Managers”, productive listening tests reveal, mostly have a 25 % efficiency of listening while the 75% of the complete message is lost. There are seven keys to active listening:
1. “Good listeners find a reason or purpose for listening in each new situation. They search for value and meaning in what is said. Good listeners are interested.”]
2. Good listeners suspend judgment on what is being said, at least initially. Listening requires concentration on the message being sent; attention devoted to forming impressions or developing a rebuttal and detracts from this.
3. Good listeners resist distractions such as noises, sights and other people, so that they can focus on the sender and the message.
4. A pause before responding to the sender often helps the good listener absorb the meaning of a message.
5. When the message is emotional or unclear, a good listener restates it in her own words. She paraphrases the meaning she received and directs it back to the sender for validation.
6. Good listeners search for themes in communication the broad, important premise that the sender wishes to convey.
7. A good listener remembers that there is a time differential between his rate of thought (400-500 words per minute) and the sender's rate of speech (100-500 words per minute). He uses this extra time to search for meaning.
Listening is a communication skill when mastered will result to positive dividends. May we purpose to be active listeners to others and to God. As we practice closing our mouth and opening our ears, as we learn to listen with our hearts, we will be able to grasp God's precious insights. As we increase in God's wisdom by listening to His voice, we will be able to minister better to those around us yearning for someone to listen.
For Further Reading:
Baskin, O. and Aronoff. C. Interpersonal Communication in Organization. Santa Monica, CA: Goodyear. 1989.
Huseman, R. Lahiff, J. and Penrose, J. Business Communication: Strategies and Skills, New York: Dryden, 1988.
Jablin, F. and Associates, Handbook or Organizational, Communication, Newbury Park, CA., Sage. 1987. |
