Monday, 17 March 2014

Hearing without Listening



Recently, I undertook the task of transcribing an hour-long interview. I took the time to record every thought-filler, every incomplete sentence and any verbal stumble. I did so in the pursuit of accuracy.

When it came to writing a report I was confident that I had caught the true meaning of the interviewee’s comments.  I sent a copy of the report to the interviewee and was surprised to find that I had misunderstood a number of details.

How could this have happened?

I examined the transcript and found that I had made assumptions, filled in blanks, and connected points when I shouldn’t have.


If the spoken word can be misconstrued thus, then I shudder to think of how much we misunderstand during conversation. Henceforth I shall take pains to become more attentive to what I hear and to listen with open mind as well as open ear.


image sourced at http://elixirconsulting.com.au/sorry-i-misconstrued-your-miscommunication/

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