Listening is an important ingredient for success in personal and professional life. Those who master the art of listening will at least be viewed positively. (Purdy, Borisoff, p. 3) We use listening skills in our personal lives to understand how our family and friends may feel. We practice listening skills in professional life during business meetings or listen to the doctor when you may be sick or taking care of a sick child. Listening skills are important to ensure we understand how others feel or how to do our jobs more effectively. Not only is listening a valuable skill, but it is also conducive to good health. Studies have shown that when we talk our blood pressure increases; when we listen it decreases (Lynch, 1985, p. 160, Purdy, Borisoff, pg. 3); From these studies, it may be important to understand during appointments where you may already be nervous. However, listening is not automatic, it requires our full and conscious attention. (Purdy, Borisoff, pg. 7) Ethics is about decision making and behavior: what is the right thing to do in any situation. What we should do involves action; and listening, like every aspect of communication, is action. As an action, listening (or not listening) has real consequences for people and messages. (Purdy, Borisoff, p. 14) Listening skills show how to learn some aspects of our daily lives. We also use listening skills in school as children.
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