Effective Listening

Effective Listening: A Practical Guide by Sorin Dumitrascu is a comprehensive guide that aims to help individuals improve their listening skills. The book is divided into two parts - "Listening Basics" and "Listening for Comprehension" - and covers everything from the communication process to identifying verbal and nonverbal cues. The first part of the book focuses on understanding how we listen and covers three crucial aspects - the communication process, the listening process, and listening as a function of communication. The author draws our attention to the alarming fact that most people fail to listen effectively and are only able to remember 25% of what they hear. The author persuades the reader that learning how to listen effectively can have a significant impact on their work, personal, and social life. The second part of the book, "Listening for Comprehension," focuses on specific listening skills that can help individuals identify and interpret verbal and nonverbal cues, comprehend the meaning of the speaker's verbal message and ask questions to clarify what they have heard. The book also addresses special listening situations like listening in groups, negotiations, and on the phone. What makes this book stand out is its practical approach to listening skills that can be applied in a variety of situations, such as meetings, presentations, and even daily conversations. The author provides practical examples and exercises, making it easy for readers to apply what they have learned in real-life situations. Overall, Effective Listening: A Practical Guide is an essential resource for anyone who wants to improve their listening skills at work or in their personal life. Its practical approach, clear writing style, and practical exercises make it a must-read for anyone who wants to become a better communicator.