text only
University of South Alabama
Home Index Search Directories Faq
Counseling and Testing Services
DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
About Us
General Information
Staff
Consultation and    Outreach
Virtual Brochures
Substance Abuse    Program
Testing Services
Career and Personality    Testing
Contact Us
 
 
Counseling and Testing    Services Home
Dean of Students Home
Student Affairs Home
USA Home

 
Effective Listening

Tips for Establishing Open Communication
 
  1. Create helpful nonverbal messages.
  • Establish eye contact.  Occasionally let your eyes drift away.
  • Nod your head occasionally.
  • Maintain an alert facial expression.
  • If sitting, lean forward slightly to show your interest.
  2. Use encouraging posture to encourage open communication.
  • Unfold your arms and legs.
  • Unclasp your hands.
  • Avoid furniture between you and the other person.
  • Avoid standing over a person and talking "down."
  3. Speak in an average voice tone and rate.
 
  4. Stop what you are doing.  Focus on the speaker's message.
 
  5. Be sincere.
 
  6. Show respect.
 

Communication Blunders

 

Spreading Rumors
Judging Others
Stone-Walling (refusing to communicate)
Avoiding the Topic
Sugar-Coating Your Comments
Name-Calling

 
 

University of South Alabama - Mobile Alabama 36688-0002 / 1 (251) 460-7051
For questions or comments Contact Us
Date last changed: April 13, 2007 1:06 PM
http://www.southalabama.edu/counseling/listening.html
University of South Alabama