Self Help

Distractions can destroy listening ability. We are surrounded by noise in the office and at home. We can be distracted by physical barriers, such as the placement of a desk or a seating arrangement in a group meeting, or internal distractions both at home and in the business place. If you are going to be an effective listener, you need to control both your external and internal environment.

1. At home, insist that the television, radio and stereo are turned off if there is to be a serious conversation.

2. Eliminate all noise that is distracting you from listening. If that is not possible, move to another room, close the door or do whatever is necessary to mute the noise or remove it.

3. Eliminate physical barriers or move to a different area so that the barriers do not get in the way of your listening.

4. Go into a listening situation with an open mind. Eliminate the internal distractions that you may have such as fear, worry, being unprepared, etc.

5. If you can’t control the environment, reschedule or move to another environment.

6. If you’re in charge of scheduling the meeting - family or business - chose a neutral environment to enhance listening and communication. Try to avoid “home turf,” where one of the participants will have the emotional advantage.