DEFINITION OF LISTENING

Listening is defined as receiving message in a thoughtful manner and understanding meaning in the message

Meaning
In simple words , listening is a process of receiving and interpreting the spoken words. while receiving and interpreting the spoken words, the listener is concerned with 4 factors, that is : Sensing Message decoding or interpreting Evaluating Response

Steps in the listening process

Your own needs, interests, attitudes, and knowledge affects your choice to pay attention.
Not everyone hears the same way. Men actually prefer certain frequencies.

Your knowledge, attitudes, values, beliefs and self-concept influences your perception.

You first respond emotionally, then intellectually. Then you decide how to respond.

Responding
Your reaction to the message. It can be emotional and intellectual.

Understanding
Deciding what the message means to you.

Choosing
The act of choosing to focus attention on the message.

Hearing
The reception of sound.

Definition of listening: It is a physical and psychological process that involves choosing to listen, understanding, and responding to symbolic messages from others.

Listening begins with physical hearing of the message and taking note of it.

TYPES OF LISTENING.
Listening may be classified into the following 6 types on the basis of purpose. Superficial listening Appreciative listening Focused listening Evaluative listening Empathetic listening

Superficial listening
In this type of listening the listener has little awareness of the content of what is being said. The output in this type of listening is zero because the listener tends to ignore the message and is not able to concentrate on theme, main points & supporting details of the message.

Appreciative listening

The main purpose of appreciative listening is to get enjoyment and pleasure. A person listen & appreciate the person ideas & opinions. An appreciate listener is free from egoism. Listening to music & poetry requires appreciation listening.

Focused listening.

Focused listening involves listening for specific information. The main purpose is to get some specific information that might be used to take a decision.

Evaluative listening.
The listener interprets and analyses what he or she listens to in order to understand both the explicit as well as implicit message. When we are listening to political speeches, sales talks, elocution contests etc it means a person who is listening should evaluate and judge on the message and decide whether to act upon or not.

Attentive listening
Attentive listening demands the complete attention of the listener. It is basically active & intelligent in situations such as group discussions, meetings, job interviews &so on.

Empathetic listening

It is a type of listening where a listener listens intensively to understand the person fully I.e. deeply both emotionally as well as intellectually. In other words, it refers to listening not only through but also through eyes &heart.

IMPORTANCE/ BENEFITS/ PURPOSE OF LISTENING.

To get an introductory idea of an oral message. To understand the main points of lecture To discover the speakers idea during a conversation To understand different viewpoint in order to contribute a discussion Aim a broad understanding of the subject matter of a seminar

Continue.
To Obtain specific information to understand new changes& development in a particular field. To broaden ones outlook & understanding or seek evidence for ones own point of view. It helps in in learning about people & how their minds work. It helps in understanding the problem clearly & solving the same. Listening builds trusts, we trust people who listen to us, and we are more open to their influence, guidance & persuasion.

Listening for fun.

Used in social situations like concerts, plays or sporting events. Goal is enjoyment and helps a person to relax. Listening to enjoy or appreciate a speakers message or performance.

Used when listening to lectures in class.

Used when listening to announcements or getting directions. Used when you need to remember something important. Listening to comprehend ideas and information in order to achieve a specific purpose or goal.

Kinds of Listening
Listening to understand, participate and enhance a relationship. Usually used in interactions between two people or a small group. Goal is to develop understanding and appreciation of the meanings & feelings of sender. You try to put yourself in another persons place, but not necessarily agree with them. Listening to understand, analyze, and evaluate messages. Used when receiving and evaluating persuasive messages. Use when you must make decisions. It should make you think.