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Are You Listening? The science of improving your listening ability for a better understanding of people
This is the first book devoted to a dynamic new science -- the science of listening. The material here is vital to management, industry, education, the professions, the salesman, and many other fields in which communication is of prime importance. Having thoroughly researched ans studied the subject for many years, the authors first show how we listen and then apply their findings to how listening and communication efficiency can be improved.
Throughout all areas of endeavor and daily routines, the amount of time devoted to listening far exceeds in almost all cases any other human activity. Forty per cent of the average businessman's salary is earned listening; for the executive it can amount to 80 per cent. The importance of the subject becomes readily apparent on consideration of the time element involved in everyone's life.
"Extensive tests have led to this general conclusion: Immediately after the average person has listened to someone talk, he remembers only about half of what he heard -- no matter how carefully he thought he had listened. Two months after listening to a person talk, the average listener will remember only about 25 per cent of what was said." The authors show how inefficient listening is usually the result of poor habits of concentration; and how good listening habits, resulting in greater comprehension and retention, can be achieved with the aid of simple exercises contained in the book.
The new techniques of listening are discussed -- awareness first, awakening to listening, upward and downward communication in business, ironing out problems through listening, how good listening can save dollars, critical listening to high-pressure talk, how fast listening can replace fast talking, emotional blocks to objective listening, and many more. Here are tests to establish listening ability, information on efficient note taking while listening, suggestions for improving the teaching of listening in schools, and a host of other facets of listening.
Are You Listening? is provocative and challenging. In the consideration of this important topic, it present practical methods for improving listening and demonstrates how enormous rewards in individual and organizational efficiency can be achieved.
Throughout all areas of endeavor and daily routines, the amount of time devoted to listening far exceeds in almost all cases any other human activity. Forty per cent of the average businessman's salary is earned listening; for the executive it can amount to 80 per cent. The importance of the subject becomes readily apparent on consideration of the time element involved in everyone's life.
"Extensive tests have led to this general conclusion: Immediately after the average person has listened to someone talk, he remembers only about half of what he heard -- no matter how carefully he thought he had listened. Two months after listening to a person talk, the average listener will remember only about 25 per cent of what was said." The authors show how inefficient listening is usually the result of poor habits of concentration; and how good listening habits, resulting in greater comprehension and retention, can be achieved with the aid of simple exercises contained in the book.
The new techniques of listening are discussed -- awareness first, awakening to listening, upward and downward communication in business, ironing out problems through listening, how good listening can save dollars, critical listening to high-pressure talk, how fast listening can replace fast talking, emotional blocks to objective listening, and many more. Here are tests to establish listening ability, information on efficient note taking while listening, suggestions for improving the teaching of listening in schools, and a host of other facets of listening.
Are You Listening? is provocative and challenging. In the consideration of this important topic, it present practical methods for improving listening and demonstrates how enormous rewards in individual and organizational efficiency can be achieved.
- GenresNonfictionCommunication
226 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1957
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
November 11, 2015
Although it's an oldie it still has some value. Chapters about comprehension/concentration and note-taking are really good.
On the other hand, other topics are self-evident. Recommendations like get yourself a record library, assess how much time you spend listening, or listen for talks that are hard for you to follow won't make you really good listener. And yes, of course, businessmen, salesmen, families, schools, etc need better listening.
Still worth a read as a first of its kind.
On the other hand, other topics are self-evident. Recommendations like get yourself a record library, assess how much time you spend listening, or listen for talks that are hard for you to follow won't make you really good listener. And yes, of course, businessmen, salesmen, families, schools, etc need better listening.
Still worth a read as a first of its kind.
Want to read
May 2, 2021Referenced in We Need to Talk: How to Have Conversations that Matter
November 19, 2021
A bit dated but still contains some good advice.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews