Overview of the Role of Listening in Interpersonal Communication

Effective communication is a crucial factor of success in various fields of human relationship. A good communicator is appreciated by friends, family members, colleagues and business associates. The role of listening in achieving effective communication cannot be over emphasized. This paper highlights the important role listening plays in enhancing good communication and the benefits it brings to good neighbourliness and communal living. The paper emphasizes the promotion of listening skills for the development of effective communication and proffers suggestions and recommendations on how to build active listening skills. Key Words: Communication, Effective Communication, Listening, Listening skills JCMRJournal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 5, No. 2, October 2013, 151 – 158 ©Delmas Communications Ltd. About the author *Christiana Onotere is a lecturer in the Department of English Studies, Delta State College of Physical Education, Mosogar, Delta State.