Steemians,How to listen properly.We have clearly established that listening is a complex process bound by many distractions that impede one from listening effectively. 
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In fact, in our discussion of the types of listeners, we have enumerated several strengths and weaknesses of each type. It seems that listening will never be as effective as we thought it could be. Listening  can never  be as perfect as we want it to be. However, we can train ourselves to improve listening so that, at least , it could be as functional and productive.
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One way of being an effective listener is to be a critical one. Critical listeners will analyze the situation, the people involved, and the message itself before coming to a conclusion. In short, critical listeners will not only listen  to the speakers voice but will factor in everything that may affect the message. Critical Listeners will try to involve the situation in which the speech setting has occurred. For example; In a job interview, one must assess the kind of working environment he or she will be working in the future if accepted. He or she will listen carefully to the interviewers words, getting clue from their conversations about the company's interests and platforms. That way , one could easily be tailored their answers to the interview questions appropriately to the job description.
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Critical listeners not only receive information but  also assess them at the same time. He or she might inspect the speaker's source to see if they credible or relevant.Alternatively, he or she could ask questions to clarify certain things that one may find confusing. Critical listeners will also examine speaker's point of view. He or she will try to find out whether the speaker has experienced firsthand the event that he o she is talking about in his or her lecture.
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Another way of Listening effectively is to use verbal communication appropriately. Good listeners are also good communicators. In order to get the correct information from the speaker, a listener will always indicate that he or she needs to have more details about the subject. Students should ask questions from the teachers if they have anything that needs clarifying. How else will the teacher know that he or she is being unclear about the lessons? Effective listeners are also very specific. They know what they need to know and what information is lacking. They also ask specific  questions so that the speaker can provide them with the proper answers. Effective listeners avoid being silent. Silence may mean someone was not truly listening. It could also indicate a sloppy listener. In addition, it could indicate a listener who lacks interests, a waste of time for  the speaker. Also, effective listeners will never try to outdo the speaker. The listener will politely allow the speaker to air his or her side. That way, the listener could become critical thinkers and analyze both sides of the story.
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Effective listeners will not only try to develop their verbal skills but their nonverbal ones as well. Speakers are receptive toward nonverbal cues. These will indicate whether listeners are listening or not. If someone is sitting and slouching, it could indicate a lack of interest. Nodding your head when you agree could sometimes encourage the speaker to do more because, clearly, he or she is doing something right. Effective listeners employ a relaxed state of body and mind. They should not appear tensed  nor should you appear too relaxed. Your posture should indicate whether you  are being attentive or not. Speakers will not be as engaging towards disinterested listeners. They would probably breeze through their lecture so that they could get it over with, making the listeners miss important messages. Your facial expression should indicate your responsiveness as well. The speaker will look at you when he or she speaks. They probably will find out in the expression in your face if you are listening or not. On the other hand, listeners should establish eye contact with the speaker . If your eyes wander around , the speaker will take it that you are probably bored and apathetic. In the case of personal conversations, one should stand close to the speaker. This will allow one to express concern for the speaker as well as his or her desire listen attentively.
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Lastly, in order to e an effective listener, one should assess his or her understanding of the message. A true listener will question whether his or her perception of the message is correct. Effective listeners will express concern whether he or she has gotten everything that needs to be heard. Listeners will have to go back to the speaker and ask if something needs clarifying. A good listener will understand that perceptions differ. A listener`s job is to match his or her perception with that of the speaker. If it does match, that means communication is effective.