Stage of Communication

Receiving : This is the very first stage of the listening process where intentional focus is paid on hearing what the speaker is saying.

Understanding : This is the stage that involves determining the context and meaning of the words being heard and understanding speaker's main point.

Evaluating : This is the stage where listener analyses the information received. and determines whether the information provided is relevant and true or not.

Remembering : This stage refers to retaining and gathering the necessary information and filtering out the rest for future access. This process happens both during and after the speaker's delivery.

Responding : This is the stage wherein the listener provides verbal or non verbal reactions based on the information he has understood, analyzed and remembered.

It is very important for the listener to keep giving non verbal responses during the process without interrupting the speaker; like nodding head or making eye contacts. This shows the level of interest a person has in the conversation.

Signs of active listening :

Smiling : Small smiles at appropriate places is a way of agreeing that a person is happy about receiving messages

Making Eye Contact : Combining smiles with eye contact encourages the speaker and builds trust and conveys message that a person is paying attention

Adopting the right posture : An attentive listener often tends to lean slightly forwards or tlt head in order to show that they completely involved in the conversation.

Mirroring : This refers to imitating facial expressions used by the speaker. These reflective expressions can help to show sympathy and empathy in more emotional situations.

Contents