The Impact of Poor Listening Skills on Everyday Communication
Author(s): 1 .Rahul Kumar Yadav, 2. Yogita Thakur
Authors Affiliations:
1.Independent Researcher, Rajnandgaon, India. ; 2. Guest Lecturer, Department of English, Naveen Govt. College Arjuni, Rajnandgaon, India.
DOIs:10.2015/IJIRMF/202609003     |     Paper ID: IJIRMF202609003
Abstract: Communication is an important part of human life. People communicate with one another at home, in educational institutions, workplaces, public places, and through digital platforms. Although communication is often associated with speaking, writing, and expressing ideas, listening is equally important. In fact, communication cannot be successful when people speak but do not properly listen to one another. Listening is not simply hearing sounds. It involves paying attention, understanding the message, interpreting its meaning, remembering important information, and responding appropriately. The International Listening Association defines listening as a process of receiving, constructing meaning from, and responding to spoken and non-verbal messages.
Poor listening is a common problem in everyday communication. People may appear to be listening while thinking about something else, checking their phones, preparing their own response, judging the speaker, or making assumptions about what the speaker is going to say. Such habits can create misunderstandings and unnecessary conflicts. Poor listening can also make people feel ignored, disrespected, or unimportant. Over time, this may weaken personal, educational, professional, and social relationships.
The present paper examines the impact of poor listening skills on everyday communication. It discusses the meaning and importance of listening, major causes of poor listening, and its effects on family relationships, friendships, education, workplaces, and digital communication. The paper also discusses the connection between poor listening and misunderstanding, conflict, emotional distance, reduced productivity, and loss of trust. Finally, it suggests practical ways to improve listening skills in everyday life. The paper argues that effective communication requires not only the ability to express ideas clearly but also the willingness and ability to listen carefully to others.
Rahul Kumar Yadav, Yogita Thakur (2026); The Impact of Poor Listening Skills on Everyday Communication, International Journal for Innovative Research in Multidisciplinary Field, ISSN(O): 2455-0620, Vol-12, Issue-9, Available on – https://www.ijirmf.com/
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