Listening and hearing are two quite different mindsets. At the end of the day, we have listened very little, but we have heard a lot.
Since our ears just pick up a series of sounds from our environment, hearing is an action that does not require our full concentration. But when we try to listen, all of our focus is on the sound or message at hand, indicating that there is a purpose. Then, all we sense is concentrated on what we get.
"No one demonstrates their clumsiness or bad education more than the one who begins to speak before his interlocutor has finished," goes an old saying from the East.
Occasionally, during a conversation, we may find it difficult to listen to the other person—either ourselves or our conversation partner. We never listen these days, but after someone else is done, we start thinking about our next move.
These verbal incontinences ultimately prevent dialogue from occurring because, if everyone wants to talk at the same moment without listening to each other, the dialogue will eventually stop and be replaced by a juxtaposition of monologues.
Being able to listen well is a challenging attitude to adopt since it calls for ongoing self-control in addition to attempts at understanding and paying attention in order to fully comprehend what the other person is saying. We need to focus on our conversation partner, assuming their perspective and field of interest.
Silence is necessary during dialogue in order to encourage attentive listening. According to author and lecturer J. Krishnamurti, "listening is an act of silence." We will never learn to listen until we put an end to our inner monologue and focus on the other person. It is only feasible to enrich the other person's remarks when one listens with alert attention.
If we do not put our ears wide open to listen, it is nearly difficult to agree with our interlocutor. Because of this, when someone feels like they are being heard, they will recognise that you value them and be appreciative of you, which will foster an environment of respect, regard, and trust.
Openness, transparency, and a desire to understand are necessary for effective listening. Dialogue results from having the ideal balance between speaking and listening skills.
Don't put it off any longer—practice listening skills!
This is a helpful, enlightening, and encouraging activity, particularly in a culture where a lot of individuals need to be given attention.
Communication can only take place when we have the ability to listen to others.