Listening takes practice from "summary" of The Lost Art of Listening by Michael P. Nichols
The idea that listening takes practice is one that many people may not fully appreciate. It is easy to assume that listening is a passive activity that requires little effort or skill. However, as with any complex human behavior, effective listening is actually a learned skill that can be honed over time through practice and conscious effort. One reason why listening is not as easy as it may seem is that it goes against our natural instincts. As social beings, we are wired to be more focused on talking and expressing ourselves rather than on listening and taking in information from others. This means that in order to become a better listener, we need to actively work against our natural inclinations and develop new habits and ways of thinking. Another reason why listening takes practice is that it is a multi-faceted skill that involves a range of different cognitive processes. Effective listening requires not only hearing the words that are being spoken, but also understanding their meaning, interpreting the speaker's tone and body language, and empathizing with their emotions and perspective. This level of complexity means that becoming a good listener is not something that can happen overnight, but rather requires ongoing effort and dedication. Furthermore, listening is a skill that is influenced by a range of external factors, such as the environment in which the conversation is taking place, the relationship between the speaker and listener, and the emotional state of both parties. These external factors can make listening more challenging and require us to continually adapt and adjust our listening strategies in order to be effective in different situations. In summary, the concept that listening takes practice is a crucial one to keep in mind as we strive to become better listeners. By recognizing that listening is a skill that can be developed through conscious effort and dedication, we can take the necessary steps to improve our listening abilities and strengthen our relationships with others. So, next time you find yourself in a conversation, remember that listening is a skill that requires practice - and that with time and effort, you can become a more effective and empathetic listener.
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