In a world that encourages multitasking, we've been led to believe that we can efficiently handle multiple tasks simultaneously. But is that really the case? In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of effective listening and challenge the notion of multitasking. Prepare to have your beliefs shattered as we uncover the science behind our brain's limited processing capacity and the inefficiency of task-switching.
Imagine trying to download a new game while streaming your favorite song, video calling a loved one, and keeping multiple browser tabs open on your computer. It's a recipe for overload, and our brains work similarly. We'll explore the concept of cognitive load and how it drains our mental energy when we attempt to juggle too many tasks.
Through captivating real-life examples, we demonstrate how attempting to divide our attention affects our overall performance. Discover the shocking truth as we share our own personal experiences, including the consequences of not fully focusing on a podcast while attempting to work on something else.
The workplace becomes a battleground for attention, as we examine the repercussions
Today we’re going to dive into effective listening. We’ll start off with understanding the different listening contexts, what they mean and how they impact communication from both the listener and the speaker’s perspective. Then we will break down the exact measures you must take to listen effectively. And finally We’ll end with some secret sauce of how to listen when you are speaking.
Understand Context and Audience’s Goal/Your Goal
1. Informational Listening – Audience is there to learn from you/you are there to learn from them.
a. Classroom
b. Conference/public speaking
c. Webinars (Podcasts (Live))
2. Critical Listening – Understanding that persuasion is afoot we must measure
a. Competence –
i. deep knowledge of a subject
ii. good use of evidence
iii. presents both sides
b. Character – Perception of…
i. Trust
ii. Fairness
iii. Honesty
iv. Prioritizes needs of audience
c. Charisma
i. Admirable/respectable traits
ii. Common Ground
iii. Charm
iv. Appeal to emotions
3. Empathic Listening – Speaker’s goal is to help cope with or solve a problem
a. Seeks to understand needs of speaker
b. Acknowledges and validates emotion
c. Offer speaker another perspective
How to Listen
1. Pay Attention + Show it
2. Provide Feedback
a. Paraphrase
b. Clarifying questions
3. Don’t interrupt
Listening While You Speak
1. Receiver/audience Cues (reverse of how to listen)
a. Physical Movement
b. Side chatter/distractions
c. Eye movement
d. Head nods
2. Recapturing Attention with Pattern interrupts
a. Ask questions
b. Take a long pause
c. Physically move
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