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Communication Toolbox: Listening

Listening tool

Listening is the process of simultaneously extracting and constructing meaning through interaction and involvement with sounds and spoken language.  It is the reconstruction of meaning through the use of spoken language.

In one ear and out the other.  Have you ever heard that expression?  Most people have experienced hearing something but not actually retaining it.  There are old adages and some studies that suggest we remember less than 50 percent of what we hear. However, your effectiveness in your job is highly dependent on your ability to listen—to obtain information, to understand, and to learn. So when you are receiving directions or being presented with information in your job, you need the skill to be able to receive the entire message.

In this section you will find tools and resources for active and reflective listening to improve comprehension and active engagement while listening.  Also included are templates and tips for note taking while listening to a speaker.