More often than not, I've been asked by my students this question: how can I improve my listening skills? Let me first cite a very common instance of poor listening at this school. You don't know how it happened. You know you were paying attention when your history class started. But somewhere along the way your eyes glazed over and the teacher's voice became a dull hum in the background of your mind. When you finally shook yourself out of your trends, he was asking you a question, "So what happened at Hastings in the year of 1066?" Once again, poor listening has you in hot water. As listeners, we tend to think that the responsibility for a successful communication lies with the person doing the talking. This attitude causes us to become passive listeners. We tolerate distractions, putting up with the noise in the hall for instance instead of getting up to shut the door. And we generally fail to reopen to the speaker's message by asking questions or to remember anything that was said. Effective listeners, on the other hand, play an active role by paying constant attentions, by following the speaker's movement, by taking notes, or by asking questions. Passive listeners are the sponges in the communication sea. Active listeners are their sharks. Good listening is a valuable skill. It is one of the top management skills needed for success in business. Listening is also critical to success in family life and among friends. Good listeners do well in school. They follow directions better and don't waste time wandering what the assignment was. Therefore, becoming an active listener will help you in your relationships with your schoolwork and on the job.

Question 23

What is the main idea of the talk?

Question 24

Which of the following is true about the passive listeners?

Question 25

According to the talk, how can we reopen to the speaker's message?

Question 26

To which of the following does the man compare poor listeners?

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