“A wise old owl sat on an oak. The more he saw, the less he spoke, the more he heard. Why aren’t we like that wise old bird?”—Edward H.Richards.

76 Listening is a learned skill, the same as speaking in public. It just takes much longer to learn! Listening is a skill we should be practicing every day. And I mean active listening, not just listening when it is convenient to us.

How do you practice listening? Here are some basic rules:

77 Are you in the middle of writing something? Put down the pen and fold hands. Are you reading something? Close it so that it will be possible for you to look down and start reading. Then put it down.

Turn off your computer. The computer will distract you from your job at hand-listening.

Face the person you are speaking with. Facing the person you are speaking with help you focus completely on listening. It will also make the person feel that you find what he is saying important.

78 Leaning toward the speaker will show interest. Crossing your arms in front of your chest shows disagreement. 79 Tapping your fingers tells the speaker that you are really too busy for him. Looking that speaker in the eyes tells him he is important.

80 Do not start making comments after the first few words. Do not start thinking about your reply in your mind. Pay attention to the speaker. Really listen what he is telling you in whole.

A. Listening completely

B. Put down whatever is in your hands.

C. We have to learn to listen and speak as well.

D. We all need to learn to listen well.

E. Looking around the room shows you have no interest.

F. Mind your body language.

G. Listening to the speaker carefully and replying quickly. 高考英语模拟试题库  http://www.ajrhws.com/yy/