Minnaar & Associates cc: Listening Skills

MODULE 6 : LISTENING SKILLS

The art of listening Most people over-estimate their listening skills. This unjustified confidence in their listening skills, if often their downfall. Communication takes up most of our waking hours and executives spend between 45 and 63 per cent of their day listening. The average adult listens at a 25% level of efficiency and many are not always aware of the fact that poor listening skills hurt others' feelings, communicate a lack of respect, elicit ill feelings and cause lower morale. Companies do not always realise that poor listening skills result in costly mistakes, poor profits and a loss of clients . Advantages Of Effective Listening Skills: Gain respect from others Healthy, meaningful interpersonal relationships – excellent rapport Support from sub-ordinates and co-workers Less misunderstandings, mistakes and friction A psychological climate conducive to productivity – a happy work force Satisfied customers / clients A healthy bottom-line

COURSE CONTENTS

Determine your level of your listening skills Internal barriers to effective listening External barriers to effective listening Controlling your emotions The important role of body language Develop sensitivity to your impact on other people How your attitude and beliefs affect your listening skills Listening to what and how the message is communicated The different active listening skills How to validate feelings Listening with empathy Listening is a skill that needs to be acquired, unlike hearing; most of us are not born with the ability to listen. Theoretical lectures are alternated with written and practical exercises. Participants will receive exposure to the practical application of the different listening techniques. Duration of course One day Number of Delegates A minimum of six and maximum of twelve delegates per training session is recommended.