By Jimoh Taofik Adekunle (JAAT)
In today’s world, where communication has become easier and instant, listening actively has become an essential skill to possess. The ability to listen to others with an open mind and empathetic heart is a sign of emotional intelligence. When someone is speaking, they reveal more than just their words. People’s words have a great way of telling us who they are. By listening carefully, we can uncover the inner relics of a person, their thoughts, emotions, and intentions.
In a world where everyone is in a hurry, people tend to speak quickly, and listening has become a lost art. However, listening is the most important aspect of communication. It is the foundation of a healthy relationship, whether it be personal or professional. When we listen to others, we show them that we value their opinions and that we care about them. Listening is not just hearing words, but it is also about understanding the speaker’s perspective, their emotions, and their tone.
The art of listening is not just about hearing what others say but understanding their message. It is about being present, focused, and attentive. When we listen actively, we create a safe environment for others to express themselves. We allow others to share their thoughts and feelings, and we show them that they are heard and respected.
In today’s fast-paced world, we often get caught up in our own thoughts and emotions, and we tend to overlook the emotions of others. However, listening actively helps us to understand the emotions of others. It allows us to empathize with them and connect with them on a deeper level. When we listen actively, we can understand the underlying emotions of others, and we can respond in a way that is compassionate and helpful.
Critical thinking is also an essential aspect of listening actively. It is not just about accepting what others say, but it is also about analyzing their message and evaluating its validity. Critical thinking helps us to distinguish between facts and opinions and to assess the credibility of the speaker. By critically analyzing the message, we can gain a deeper understanding of the speaker’s intentions and beliefs.
In conclusion, listening actively is an essential skill to possess. It is the foundation of a healthy relationship, and it helps us to understand the emotions, thoughts, and intentions of others. By listening actively, we create a safe environment for others to express themselves, and we show them that we value their opinions and respect them. Critical thinking is also an important aspect of listening actively, as it helps us to distinguish between facts and opinions and to evaluate the credibility of the speaker. Therefore, we should all strive to be good listeners and critical thinkers before we take actions.
Taofik Adekunle Jimoh (JAAT)
May 21, 2023
