Introduction- thesis statement
In most of the conversations that individuals have, one often does not listen fully to what the speaker addresses. In several instances, the listener often provides partial attention and usually focuses on other issues that may or may not be related t the subject. The listener often assumes to be familiar with the subject being addressed and pounds on the response he would give to the speaker.
Much information is often lost in this ‘partial’ listening process due to a misunderstanding. The speaker is also not motivated by the listener and is often reluctant to provide reliable information.
A therapist who provides less attention to a patient describing his or her condition is likely to make therapeutic measures. Thus, active listening is an important tool that helps therapists to provide the best therapy to their clients.
Active listening
Active listening is a situation in which the listener pays attention and responds to the speaker’s words so that both of them obtain a common understanding of the concept being addressed (Conflict Research Consortium, 1998, para.1).
It involves listening to the speaker and then provides a response on how the listener has perceived the speaker’s statements. The listener paraphrases the statements from the speaker to confirm if they were understood correctly. The listener shares the information with the speaker and should not make a prejudgment (Hoppe, 2007, p.6)
Active listening in a therapeutic setting
In the therapeutic setting, the therapist is required to listen to the victim as the victim narrates or expresses his feelings about a given concept. This will enable the therapist to understand more about a given victim. It has been noted that active listening has several advantages that the listener will enjoy and that makes the conversation fruitful.
Active listening is interactive and the attention of the listener is fully restricted to the speaker. The concepts that are unclear to the listener can be identified and the required clarifications given (Conflict Research Consortium, 1998, para.4). Besides, active listening encourages the speaker to reveal more information.
The attention that the listener also motivates the speaker who will then open up and reveal more information regarding a given subject (Conflict Research Consortium, 1998, para.4). A therapist will thus learn more from a victim if he gives full attention to the victim.
Active listening in work situations
Active listening is applicable in a work situation. The tasks that are to be performed in a given job require certain procedures to be followed. When an individual is being introduced to these procedures, it is necessary that he actively listens to the instructor in order to get the procedures right.
Failure to pay good attention will result into poor work and loss of employment. Active listening is also appropriate in solving disputes that may occur among the workers. Paying attention to the conflicting parties can enable one to resolve the dispute. The same applies to making a decision in a work environment that contains individuals with different views.
Results of personal active listening, strengths and areas for improvement
Active listening improves my ability to interact with more people. It helps in understanding the diversity that exists in the abilities of different people in expressing themselves. Active listening promotes group development (Rogers & Farson, 2007, p.1). By paying attention to every individual as he speaks, one gets to learn the ability of the individual in self-expression.
I am particularly best at providing equal attention to different individuals. I do not a prejudgment on the subject that an individual is to address even if there are previous relevant experiences of the same. The difficulty is in dealing with those who shy away if the listener provides full attention to them.
Personal communication changes to improve listening skills
Despite my ability to manage different individuals, there are certain weaknesses that may require an adjustment. The listener should be objective in responding to the speaker and should not provide an individual opinion in the response. My interpretations often contain own opinions that influence the speaker’s views.
An active listener should not seek to fulfill his needs from the process (Rogers & Farson, 2007, p.3). Besides, expressing a sympathetic feeling has often barred my clients from providing more information as they are deeply upset.
Conclusion
Active listening is an essential tool obtaining reliable information in a conversation. A therapist should provide full attention to a patient and should not assume the speaker’s words perhaps based on his experiences with other patients.
It should be noted that the more a therapist provides attention while listening to a patient, the more the patient will be willing to provide information regarding his or her conditions. The appropriate therapeutic procedures will then be adopted by the therapist to the advantage of both of them.
References
Conflict Research Consortium, (1998). Active Listening: International Online Training Program on Intractable Conflict. Web.
Hoppe, M. (2007). Active Listening: Improve Your Ability to Listen and Lead. Greensboro: Center for Creative Leadership
Rogers, C. and Farson, R. (2007). Active listening. Gordon Training International. Web.