Listening ROADBLOCKS Distractions are internal or external stimuli

Listening ROADBLOCKS

Distractions � are internal or external stimuli that take your attention away from the speaker.

TYPES OF DISTRACTIONS:

INTERNAL Distractions arise within your mind and body. Emotions can distract you.

For example, if it's your first day at work, your anxiety and excitement may prevent you from hearing what people are telling you. Similarly, pain and discomfort can make it hard to concentrate. Fatigue, worry, personal issues, and other thoughts, feelings, and internal states can easily distract you.

EXTERNAL such as loud noises and continuous interruptions, arise from your surroundings and from other people.

Anything that attracts your gaze can divert your attention. You may also be distracted by the speaker's mannerisms or speech patterns.

EMOTIONS Emotions can get in your way when you're supposed to be listening. You start listening to confirm your own feelings and you get sidetracked by your inner dialog.

Criticizing delivery or physical appearance Many people abandon their good listening habits when they become overly critical of the speaker’s physical appearnance or delivery. Regardless of who the speaker is, the content of his/her message is always far more important than the form of her/his delivery.

OVERREACTING TO EMOTIONAL WORDS We will react from time to certain words or phrases that push our “hot buttons” At such times, we might experience a strong emotional reaction that blocks out your ability to listen.

We might let our thoughts wander on to other subjects, blocking the speaker’s message from our minds, or we might start to lay plans to trap the speaker in some way.