Listening Even When It's Difficult to Listen

Mark and Deb are planning to meet a client who Deb knows socially. They're discussing Deb's idea that she take the lead. What three statements should Mark avoid to keep from stopping the conversation?

-"Hold on a minute. I've got something to say about this too." -"You might know the client, but the products are what we should be focusing on here." -"You shouldn't question my skills in dealing with a client face-to-face."

Your colleague Jim is presenting in a slow speaking voice that doesn't vary in tone.What are three techniques you can employ to listen effectively despite your boredom?

-Analyze Jim's intentions, purpose, and perspective as you listen -Doodle in the margins of your notebook as you listen to Jim -Take notes and include more detail than you would usually record

What are four key techniques for developing and practicing effective listening?

-Clearly demonstrating full attention -Listening for the other person's "whys" -Observing body language -Avoiding potential distractions

Overcoming false assumptions is the first step to developing truly effective listening skills.What are three of the most common misconceptions about listening?

-If you're listening, you aren't communicating -Listening skills can't be improved -Effective listening is simply a matter of hearing

1.Emotions 2.Judgment 3.Bias 4.Impatience

1.Joel is always annoyed by criticism and feels a need to respond instantly to it 2.Gina mentally reaches conclusions about what the speaker is saying, rather than staying neutral 3.Laura's dislike of Nick's manner influences her thoughts about his ideas 4.Shirley spent the whole time Jeremy was speaking thinking up a perfect response

During a presentation, you're seated across from an open window. There's a cold breeze, and two people are arguing outside, directly in your eyeline. What is the single best option for handling these distractions?

Move to an empty seat across the table and close the window