What do you find most interesting about the skill of listening?

View the TED Talk “5 Ways to Listen Better”Links to an external site. by Julian Treasure (TEDGlobal, 2011). Next, complete the linked listening assessmentLinks to an external site.. In light of Treasure’s talk, respond to the following questions:
What do you find most interesting about the skill of listening?
Do you agree with Treasure’s warning about the dangers of losing the ability to listen?
What listening strategy presented by Treasure would you like to try?
Finally, in light of the assessment, share any personal listening goals you may have to improve your own listening skill.
Be sure to respond to your peers as well. As a reminder, connect to a scholarly source beyond the TED Talk.
Reference
TEDGlobal. (2011). 5 ways to listen better. http://www.ted.com/talks/julian_treasure_5_ways_to_listen_better#t-377732
ANSWER
Julian Treasure’s TED Talk on “5 Ways to Listen Better” is both insightful and relevant in today’s world. What I find most interesting about the skill of listening, as highlighted in Treasure’s talk, is the idea that listening is a skill that can be honed and improved with practice. It’s not just about hearing words but truly understanding and empathizing with the speaker’s message. The concept of “conscious listening” and the importance of shifting our focus from passive to active listening is particularly intriguing.
I completely agree with Treasure’s warning about the dangers of losing the ability to listen. In our fast-paced, digitally connected world, we are often bombarded with information and distractions that hinder our listening abilities. The consequences of this can be profound, leading to misunderstandings, conflicts, and a lack of meaningful connections with others. It’s essential to recognize that effective listening is a cornerstone of effective communication and building relationships.
One listening strategy presented by Treasure that I would like to try is the “3 minutes of silence” exercise. It’s a simple yet powerful technique to recalibrate our ears and minds, allowing us to appreciate the richness of the soundscape around us. In a world filled with noise and constant stimuli, taking a few minutes each day to embrace silence and truly listen to the environment can be a meditative and grounding experience.
As for personal listening goals, I aim to become a more empathetic and patient listener. This includes actively practicing conscious listening, reducing interruptions, and being fully present when engaging in conversations. Additionally, I plan to incorporate short periods of intentional silence into my daily routine to enhance my listening skills and appreciate the nuances of sound in my surroundings.
In conclusion, effective listening is a valuable skill that can improve our relationships, understanding, and overall well-being. Julian Treasure’s talk offers valuable insights and practical strategies to become better listeners in a noisy world.