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In verbal communication, active listening is will improve speaking ability by focusing on
important. The listener would ask good ques- vocabulary and fluency. This can help in build-
tions and respond according to the speaker’s ing self-confidence.
message. And they let the speaker fully answer
it. 2�1�2 Listening skills in synchronous
communication
Like a therapist, we should listen to the
speaker carefully. And we can reply with small What is synchronous and asynchronous
utterances like I hear you, yeah, that makes communication? If you email your friend, it
sense or making sound like Mm, Ah. These will take time for him/her to reply to you. Until
utterances keep us engaged and show the other they see your email and reply to you, you will
person that we are following the words. be waiting for the reply. This is asynchronous
communication. In other words, asynchro-
Active listening involves non-verbal com- nous communication is communication that
munication. They are: does not take place in real time. As a result,
responses may be delayed. If you are having a
f Eye contact video conference, it is a live interaction with
The Listener should look into the eyes of the the person on the other side, this is synchro-
speaker. In face to face communication, if you nous communication. In other words, when
look into the eyes of the speaker, they will be communication can only be exchanged in real
more confident that you are listening to them. time, this is referred to as synchronous com-

○ ‘Listen with your eyes’ notice munication. It necessitates the presence of both
what is happening to the the transmitter and the receiver at the same
person’s mood or emotion. Do time and/or space.
they look nervous, frustrated, In a video conference, you can talk to the
or annoyed? other person and get immediate replies. It con-
f Body posture nects people in real time.
It should be open and oriented. Here, one
should observe the speaker’s non-verbal cues. Online learning systems can provide syn-
chronous and asynchronous learning environ-
The key is to respond to what they have just ments. Real-time interaction is synchronous;
said. What you should not do is look at them it requires simultaneous student and teacher
blankly and not react. Do not sit with a stone presence. Direct interaction with teachers and
face. It is not active listening. Respond to the students is like face-to-face communication
speaker whenever appropriate. in the classroom. Distance is not a barrier in

Keep the focus on them and let them talk. this method as the internet helps connect you
This is going to be all about the speaker, so simultaneously from anywhere.
don’t jump to your conclusions or change over Asynchronous interactions are not time-
to your favorite subject. Eventually, once they bound and they can work from anywhere and
finish talking, you can speak. are accessible to the materials at any time

By developing these qualities, you can needed. Audio/video lectures, articles, power
improve your listening skills as well. Applica- point presentations, and handouts can be
tion of a synchronous communication strategy accessed anytime.

SGOU - FYUGP - SLM - English for Communication 51