Internal Sources of Interference
Internal listening problems may be caused by reactions to words, personal concerns, attitudes, cultural differences, bad listening habits, and listener apprehension. Fortunately, some of these problems can be anticipated by the speaker, and most are under the listener’s control. How good and poor listeners respond differently to such problems.
One of the most common barriers to effective listening is simply not paying attention. How many times have you found yourself daydreaming, even when you know you should be listening to what is said? One reason for this problem is that our minds can process information far faster than people usually speak. Most people speak at about 125 words per minute in public, but can process information at about 500 words per minute.
This time lapse provides an opportunity for listeners to drift away to more delightful or difficult personal concerns. All too often daydreamers smile and nod encouragingly even though they haven’t heard a word the speaker has said. This deceptive feedback is a major cause of failed communication. Both personal reactions to words and distractions can set off such reactions.
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