LISTENING IN MORE THAN ONE WAY

Participating in several modes of listening Did you realize that listening engages more of our senses than just our ears? There are a variety of ways in which we listen to others, including when they speak to us or to others, when we eavesdrop a little bit, and when we talk back to them. When we listen, one of the primary ways we do it is with our eyes. Sometimes we pick up on what other people are trying to convey to us. “Bye, bye” is a simple message that can be easily received via our eyes and is taught to infants. We not only utter the words, but also gesture with our hands. When newborns wave backwards to themselves, it is the cutest thing ever. they wave in the same manner that they perceive us to wave at them. What do you suggest we say hello? We can either do it by waving our hands or by simply mouthing the word. Either way works. When we read someone’s face, we are sometimes able to interpret their delight, sadness, surprise, amazement, rage, or any number of other emotions. We can recognize people’s feelings not just by looking at their faces, but also by observing the way their bodies convey those feelings to us. If a person hunches over with a look of defeat, we can tell that they lack confidence because they are not looking us in the eye, they are not standing erect, and their head is not held high. Our eyes are capable of seeing everything. The issue that has to be answered is, out of the tremendous quantity of information that is taken in by our eyes, how much of it really makes its way into our conscious minds? The vast majority of what our eyes take in is not brought to our conscious attention, yet the images that they capture are permanently filed away in our brains. Although we may not be aware of them, when the time is right, they will become a part of our conscious consciousness and serve as the basis for the choices that we make. In point of fact, the human eye is perhaps one of the most often used information receivers that humans possess. It is believed that information is received via the ears. That is correct, however in addition to that, the ears also perform additional functions. For example, the ears assist in maintaining our sense of equilibrium. If the middle ear is injured or misaligned in any way, the world as we know it might be flipped completely upside down. Have you ever given any attention to how we determine which direction is up? Our ears are the source of our equilibrium. Where do we stand with the air pressure? When the air becomes thinner or the water becomes deeper, our ears are able to convey this information to us. Ears have other functions outside hearing as well. When we pay attention, not only may our hearing but also our sense of touch receive signals. Is it a warm or chilly day today? Are the clothes we’re wearing appropriate, and how do they feel on our skin? What about the kind pat on the back from that one person you care about, or the stern smack that you were given? Touch is a primary mode of human communication. Additionally, we may make use of the other senses. Other senses that contribute to our listening capabilities include scent, taste, and even the impression that someone is gazing at us or standing nearby. In an ideal world, we would acknowledge that the act of listening encompasses much more than only auditory awareness. Naturally, this is something that is significant to the majority of us, but if we listen carefully, and if we listen carefully using as many of our faculties as possible, then we will have a greater understanding of what is being sent to us. We will have a far clearer picture of what is being transmitted to us. We will also be able to converse on a far higher level, and as a result, we may become significantly better at communicating with one another. ### ? Professor Marvell Lawson is an author, professional speaker, and communication coach. He works with individuals and organizations that want to deliver powerful speeches and presentations with confidence; communicate more effectively; grow their business; make more money; and build professional credibility. His upcoming book is titled “small business superstar speaking secrets.” You may reach me at 303.947.0962, visit www.centerforinformationdesign.com, or email me at marvell@centerforinformationdesign.com.

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