1. Dora Deras
Business Communication II
November 7, 2014
Listening in the Workplace
Listening is critical for the sender and the receiver when communicating in the
workplace. They are both responsible for this act. “When both communicators simultaneously
send and receive messages and constantly adapt to each other’s feedback, they are engaging in
sender-receiver reciprocity” (Downing, et. al., 2014).
Playing the receiver role during a meeting regarding technical information, I will
incorporate my listening skills. I will lean forward showing my interest in the topic. Then, I will
make eye contact with the speaker. And lastly, I will nod and smile showing agreement. “Active
listening is the process of making a conscious effort to pay full attention to and comprehend the
message being communicated” (Downing, et. al., 2014).
Being a speaker (sender) during a meeting could be a challenge. To attain everyone’s
attention, first, I will tell a story to make a connection. Secondly, I will use humor professionally
so listeners don’t get bored. And lastly, I will ask questions to make sure everyone understood
my message. “The way a message is communicated affects the way the message is received.
The sender needs to select the way to send the message that will best help the receiver interpret
its full and nuanced meaning” (Downing, et. al., 2014).
It is our responsibility as senders and receivers to listen effectively to understand each
other’s ideas. Listeners can show interest by leaning forward, nodding and smiling, and making

2. eye contact. Senders may tell a story, use humor professionally, and ask questions to capture
recevers attention. We will guarantee our success by using these listening skills as professionals.