“You can have the perfect message, but it may fall on deaf ears when the listener is not prepared or open to listening.
These listening "planes" were first introduced by the American composer Aaron Copland (1900-1990) as they pertain to music . . .
1. The Sensual Plane: You’re aware of the music, but not engaged enough to have an opinion or judge it.
2. The Expressive Plane: You become more engaged by paying attention, finding meaning beyond the music, and noticing how it makes you feel.
3. The Musical Plane: You listen to the music with complete presence, noticing the musical elements of melody, harmony, pitch, tempo, rhythm, and form.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“To make matters even more complicated, research has shown that we remember only 25-50 percent of what we hear. This inclination not only compromises our connection with another person, but we can fail to retain vital information. All this evidence demonstrates that it is imperative that we intentionally pay closer attention and strive to become an in-depth listener.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“UN-Impressives of the Poor Listener
• Thinking about what you should have done, could have done, or need to do.
• Allowing your emotional reactions to take over.
• Interrupting the person talking.
• Replying before you hear all the facts.
• Jumping to conclusions and making assumptions.
• Being preoccupied with what you're going to say next.
• Getting defensive or being over-eager.
• One-upmanship—feeling the urge to compete and add something bigger, better, or more significant than what the speaker has to share.
• Imposing an unsolicited opinion.
• Ignoring and changing the subject altogether.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“The Physical Language of Listening
Active listening is a physical process which transcends simply hearing. Your body language speaks on your behalf as to whether you are fully present and engaged . . .
• Make eye contact.
• Nod your head; confirm.
• Use your eyebrows and expressions of emotions to show that you're paying attention.
• Lean forward.
• Listen patiently to demonstrate respect and sensitivity.
• Open your physical presence to encourage them to continue.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Active Listeners, listen more than they talk. Listen more than is comfortable. Listen more than most people. Listen, and listen and listen...then they ask the next question and listen again...that's a game changer... It will impact your ability to connect, to coach or to sell.”
“He was practicing active listening.”
Source: All the Birds in the Sky
“When you establish a destination by defining what you want, then take physical action by making choices that move you towards that destination, the possibility for success is limitless and arrival at the destination is inevitable.”
Source: Life, the Truth, and Being Free
“Listening is one thing; however, ACTIVE listening is quite another. The first is a passive act which does not require great involvement, whereas, the latter is a consciously aware and deliberately focused effort to actively participate in the conversation.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“Listening actively confirms for people that you are positively receiving and thoroughly understanding the message they are conveying.”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact
“By your practice of active listening, everyone involved benefits because you . . .
• are more engaged and engaging;
• demonstrate that you are interested in others and what they have to say;
• make others feel important, respected, understood, and appreciated;
• improve your memory and retention;
• affirm to others that you are an authentic, caring, and compassionate person;
make a great first and last impression”
Source: The Art of Communication: 8 Ways to Confirm Clarity & Understanding for Positive Impact