Communication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 8

Communication - Essay Example Cultivating on silence is the first step when one is practicing the art of listening. Listening to the silence is helpful because it assist one to listen beyond words and grasp on the feelings of the speaker. Therefore, getting comfortable with silence is a practice that will assist a person to learn the art of listening. The next step is slowing down to reflect. This involves listening to oneself being acquainted to the voice of your soul. Once we get to know and trust the voice of the soul, we find ourselves able to identify when we need to speak and when we need to listen. The art of â€Å"becoming present† is the last step when practicing the art of listening (Machado & Meyer-Botnarescue, 2009). The technique involves deep listening that is listening at the heart level. The technique is present when one feel connected to an individual or to a group of people. Through this method, we are able to communicate with people from diverse backgrounds and customs. Sensing, evaluating and responding are the three components of reflective listening. Sensing involves the skill of receiving signals from the speaker and paying attention to them. the signals may include â€Å"spoken words, nature of the sounds(tone or voice) and nonverbal cues†. Sensing can be enhanced by avoiding interruptions and maintaining interest (Machado & Meyer-Botnarescue, 2009). Diverse cultures have different forms of communicating nonverbally therefore, it is important for teachers to be conversant with these differences. For example in a class of diverse backgrounds, there are children who will not make direct eye contact when speaking to a teacher. This is so because according to their culture it shows lack of respect. Some students may also not smile to a teacher because according to their culture it is wrong to smile. For instance in Korean culture smiling signals shallowness and thoughtlessness.