Audio Books and Active Listening

 I have been doing a lot of work recently on my professional development and one of these pieces of work focused around communication. I learnt that it is much better to listen actively rather than trying to plan what your next reply will be. I struggle with this a lot as my brain is constantly firing with thoughts and plans and ideas but audio books have helped me learn how to focus on one audio input and really listen to what is being said. 

The last audio book I listened to was King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo which is a fantasy book that moves quickly and has quite a few characters throughout the novel. I chose this book as I am enjoying the entire Grisha series and wanted to continue it but also because I knew that with a fantasy book I would really have to pay attention to follow the storyline. I couldn't zone out and then start listening again as I would be lost. 

Listening to audio books has really helped me to focus on listening to what is being said and the retaining this information so that I am aware of what is happening. I plan to continue listening to audio books and developing my active learning skills in other ways as well. 

Let's talk in the comments! Do you listen to audio books? Do you think they have improved your listening skills? 

Lauren xo

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