"Sharpening Your Listening Edge: Strategies for Success"

 Hello! I am Khan Zubaida your writer. Today I am writing about Listening skill. As we all know listening is an activity if someone don't hear us out  or cut us in between we feel really bad and never wanna speak to them ever again, of course this is not right behavior. But sometimes we do the same thing unknowingly or unintentionally, this happen when we keep talking without giving chance to another person and we don't even know the reason why they are annoyed.

As we all know we have one mouth and two ears so we should speak less and listen more, do we actually follow this? I am science student so it's necessary for me to listen instructions before performing any practical if I don't do this then I might blast the chemistry lab or don't get the good result and messing up everything so it's mandatory for me to focus and listen carefully. I am mentioning few tips below to exercise our ears with listening skills so that you people won't make those mistakes like me. 

What is listening?

To define "listening " we can use some similar term such as "perception, attention, hearing". Perception, has been defined as a process of extracting information from the world outside oneself, as well as from within. Listening is selective perception and attention to auditory stimuli. Words such as "listening" and "hearing" are often used interchangeably in everyday speech, listening is a process that includes selective attention and the assignment of meaning. Physiologically, listening involves the use of hearing organs to receive those acoustic vibrations that are converted into signals that can be understood by the brain. It is the brain that gives meaning to those vibrations. The brain decodes these vibration patterns that are known as "words." Physiologically, listening occurs in waves. There are natural peaks and valleys in the listener's processing of auditory stimuli, and listeners can only comprehend some of the stimuli that they are able to hear.Just as listening has a physiological basis, it also has a psychological basis. The psychological aspects have to do with interest and attention. A person listens to what interests him or her and does not listen to what is found to be boring or dull or irrelevant. Listening is an activity that involves the skills of paying attention, making sense of what is being said (interpretation), and providing feedback or response to the speaker. These skills are learned and they can be improved. Improvement of listening involves correcting the five most frequently found psychological interferences to effective listening: habitual inattention, selective perception, selective inattention, inaccurate inference making, and the inability to frame concepts. Habitual inattention occurs when listeners regularly and consistently find their attention wandering. Selective perception occurs when listeners only perceive some of the things that are being said to them. Selective inattention occurs when listeners listen only to those things to which they want to pay attention. Inaccurate inference making occurs when listeners draw conclusions incorrectly about the meanings of what they have heard. The inability to frame concepts happens when listeners are unable to comprehend or understand what has been said.

When we show we’re really listening, it’s much more rewarding for the person talking to you, and you’ll get more out of it too. This is called active listening, and it can help avoid misunderstanding and reduce the potential for conflict.

Here are 10 easy ways to make your communication more effective and make the other person feel more valued.

1) Face the speaker and have eye contact

Eye contact is an important part of face to face conversation. Too much eye contact can be intimidating, though, so adapt this to the situation you’re in. Try breaking eye contact every five seconds or so, or to show you’re listening attentively, look at one eye for five seconds, then another eye for five seconds, then switch to looking at their mouth. When you look away, looking to the side or up is better than looking down, which can seem like you want to close the conversation.

Check your posture and make sure it’s open – avoid crossed arms or crossed legs, which can make you look ‘closed’ or defensive. Leaning slightly forward or sideways whilst sitting can show that you’re listening – as can a slight tilt of your head or resting your head on your hand.

2) “Listen” to non-verbal cues too

Pay attention to what the other person is saying with their body language 

Facial expressions, tone of voice and gestures can tell you just as much as what is being said in words. Pay attention to what the other person is saying with their body language - are they smiling, for example, or are their arms crossed defensively, or are they rubbing their eyes as if they're tired or upset. Even on the phone, you can learn a lot from the other person’s voice, which might sound subdued or upbeat.

3) Don’t interrupt

Being interrupted is frustrating for the other person – it gives the impression that you think you’re more important, or that you don’t have time for what they have to say. If you are naturally a quicker thinker or speaker, force yourself to slow down so that the other person can express themselves. Remember, a pause or a few seconds of silence doesn’t mean that you have to jump in. Letting the other person speak will make it easier for you to understand their message, too.

Even interruptions that respond to something that they’ve said can be distracting if it means the conversation gets sidetracked from what they were trying to tell you about. If this does happen, steer the conversation back to “So, you were telling me about…”.

4) Listen without judging, or jumping to conclusions

If you start reacting emotionally to what’s being said, then it can get in the way of listening to what is said next. Try to focus on listening. Equally, don’t assume that you know what’s going to be said next.

5) Don’t start planning what to say next 

You can’t listen and prepare at the same time.

6) Show that you’re listening. 

Nod your head, smile and make small noises like “yes” and “uh huh”, to show that you’re listening and encourage the speaker to continue. Don’t look at your watch, fidget or play with your hair or fingernails.

7. Don’t impose your opinions or solutions. 

It’s not always easy, but lending a listening, supportive ear can be much more rewarding than telling someone what they should do. When a loved one has health problems is a time when they probably want to tell you how they’re feeling, and get things off their chest, rather than have lots of advice about what they should be doing.

In other areas of life too, most people prefer to come to their own solutions. If you really must share your brilliant solution, ask first if they want to hear it – say something like “Would you like to hear my suggestions?”

8) Stay focused

If you're finding it difficult to focus on what someone is saying, try repeating their words in your head as they say them – this will reinforce what they’re saying and help you to concentrate. Try to shut out distractions like other conversations going on in the room. And definitely don’t look at your phone.

9) Ask questions

Asking relevant questions can show that you’ve been listening and help clarify what has been said.

If you’re not sure if you’ve understood correctly, wait until the speaker pauses and then say something like “Did you mean that x…” Or “I’m not sure if I understood what you were saying about…”

You should also use open questions where you can, like “How did that make you feel?” “What did you do next?”

10) Paraphrase and summarise

Repeating what has been said really shows you’ve been paying attention, and allows the speaker to correct you if you haven’t understood

Sometimes called reflecting, this is repeating what has been said to show that you understand it. This may seem awkward at first, but really shows you’ve been paying attention, and allows the speaker to correct you if you haven’t understood correctly.

If you’re not sure how to do this, try starting a sentence with: "Sounds like you are saying…”

And remember…."Repetition is the mother of skill."

Old habits are hard to break, so you’ll need to make a conscious effort to become an active listener. Try spending a week in which you summarise the main points or outcomes at the end of each conversation or meeting. This will help you get into the habit. 

Hoping this will help you. Thank you readers to read my blog. 

"Jaipur Journeys: A Tale of Timeless Splendor and Cultural Riches''

    

Embarking on a journey through Jaipur, the Pink City of India, is not just a travel experience; it's a cultural odyssey filled with vibrant hues, historical grandeur, and a tapestry woven with the threads of tradition. Join us as we unravel the enchanting stories, architectural marvels, and the kaleidoscope of experiences that make Jaipur a must-visit destination for any avid traveler.

The Pink Hue of History:

Jaipur earned its nickname, the Pink City, when it was painted in terracotta pink to welcome the Prince of Wales in 1876. This hue not only adorns the city's architecture but also reflects the warmth of its people. Start your journey by strolling through the bustling streets, where every corner echoes tales of a bygone era.

Places to visit in Jaipur:

Majestic Architectural Gems:

1.Hawa Mahal (The Palace of Winds):

Jaipur's signature palace of unusual architecture is a stunning example of local artistry. The top of the Hawa Mahal offers an excellent view over the city. Marvel at the intricately designed facade of Hawa Mahal, a unique five-story structure with 953 small windows called jharokhas, allowing the royal ladies to observe the city without being seen. The play of light and shadow is a photographer's delight.

2. City Palace:

Immerse yourself in the opulence of the City Palace, a complex of palaces, courtyards, and gardens. The museum within showcases a rich collection of artifacts, costumes, and weaponry that offer a glimpse into the royal history of Jaipur. This palace has four entrances: Udai Pol, Jaleb Chowk, Tripolia Gate, and Virendra Pol. Every nook of this magnificent palace is decorated with exquisite engravings and art pieces that bear immemorial traces of the past.

3.Amber Fort:

Perched on a hill, Amber Fort presents a majestic blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture. Take an elephant ride to the fort's entrance and explore its intricate carvings, stunning courtyards, and panoramic views of the surrounding hills. Amber Palace is located amidst the gorgeous and rugged Aravalli Hills. The splendour is enhanced by the alluring charm of the red sandstone and white marble.

Cultural Extravaganza:

1. Jantar Mantar:

Step into an astronomical wonderland at Jantar Mantar, an 18th-century observatory featuring colossal instruments that were used for precise astronomical measurements. It's a testament to the scientific advancements of its time. These devices were referred to as Jantar Mantar, which is Hindi for "Calculating Instrument." UNESCO has designated the largest of these instruments in Jaipur as a World Heritage Site.

2. Albert Hall Museum:

Dive into the artistic heritage of Jaipur at the Albert Hall Museum. With its Indo-Saracenic architecture, the museum houses a diverse collection of artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. Now, it is home to one of India's six "Egyptian Mummies". Moreover, Brugsch Bey from the Museum of Cairo donated this mummy to the collection as a memento.

Jal Mahal:

This palace, whose location is in the centre of Man Sagar Lake, combines Rajput and Mughal architectural traditions. Jal Mahal is a five-storey structure made of red sandstone, four of which are submerged when the lake is full. The lake's clean water and the picturesque Aravalli Mountain range that is scattered across this palace provide a beautiful perspective of the Jal Mahal.

Rambagh Palace:

Rambagh Palace, former home of the Maharaja of Jaipur and now a hotel by Taj are one of the top locations to see in Jaipur, an amazing attraction and a beautiful lodging location. The palace is situated on Bhawani Singh Road, 8 kilometres from the city of Jaipur. Apart from that, It is a wonderful illustration of architectural design and high creative standards. Further, the palace showcases the distinctive fusion of Rajput and Mughal architecture.

Jhalana Leopard Safari:

In Jaipur, there are many attractions that let you experience wildlife adventures. For example, at Jhalana Leopard Safari, which is home to more than 20 leopards, wildlife enthusiasts can experience an exhilarating tour. Further, you might catch a glimpse of a leopard within the first five minutes of entering the park if you're lucky.

Birla Mandir:

The well-known Birla Mandir temples can be found in several well-known towns in India. In addition to playing an important role in the people's beliefs and traditions, Jaipur's Birla Mandir has recently grown in popularity as a top tourist attraction. Apart from that, numerous Hindu temples constructed of red sandstone or white marble maid Birla family may be found throughout India.

Galta Monkey Temple:

In Jaipur, there is a famous Hindu pilgrimage site called Galtaji or Galta Monkey Temple. This temple, built in the 18th century by Diwan Rao Kriparam, is 10 kilometres from Jaipur. The Aravalli Hills surround this temple, and the area's lush green vegetation helps to keep the temperature bearable.
Legends claim that Saint Galav, a devoted follower of God, used to meditate here. The Gods granted this area abundant water after Galav completed 100 important years of Tapasya (penance). A temple with seven holy kunds (ponds) was built there to honour this revered follower of God.

Jaigarh Fort:

 

The palaces and forts in Jaipur are all distinctive in their own ways. However, the Jaigarh Fort is the most impressive fort and palace in Rajasthan, according to the list of attractions to see in Jaipur. This fort is located in the Cheel ka Teela, or the Hill of Eagles, a rocky promontory of the Aravalli Hills. Therefore, the Jaigarh Fort will undoubtedly be the most impressive compared to other forts and palaces in Jaipur.

Nahargarh Fort:

The Nahargarh Fort is the best location to go if you want to see the entire city of Jaipur. The former Maharaja of Jaipur built this fort to enhance local security. The former name of Jai Singh II’s Nahargarh Fort was Sudarshangarh. However, it was later changed to Nahargarh, which means "the Abode of Tigers."

List of Famous Things in Jaipur (Food, Culture and Activities):
Wondering what you can pick for souvenir items on your next trip to this city? Find your answers here as this list provides you with details of all the famous things Jaipur is famous for.

Jewellery:

Jaipur is known as the jewellery capital, and as a result, most tourists that come here are seen purchasing various types of jewellery.

Jaipur is the best location to purchase jewellery, regardless of whether you want gold, silver, Kundan, or any other type. In addition to jewellery, you can also purchase various kinds of gemstones.

Lehariya Saree:

You can find the greatest Lehariya saree designs in Jaipur, and it is one of the finest items you can purchase in pink city. As the name suggests, the design of this sari gets inspiration from the design of layers. In addition, these sarees come in a variety of combinations, all of which have reasonable prices.

Bandhani Dupatta:

Jaipur's enormous and vibrant collection of Bandhani dupattas will surely catch your attention. The Bandhani style is a must-buy when visiting Jaipur city because it accurately represents the city's craftsmanship.

Meenakari Work Items:

One of Jaipur's main draws is its exhibits of Meenakari-related objects or showpieces. This is because the objects with meenakari art have enhanced beauty and a distinctive charm.

Although you can currently obtain this Rajasthani traditional work style in any colour, the two most common ones are red and green. Even though these patterns are often lightweight, they look stunning when applied to Jhumkas.

Embroidered Bed Sheets:

One of the nicest things to get in Jaipur is high-quality embroidered bed sheets. The extensive range of embroidered bed sheets offers as many styles and kinds as you desire.

There's no need to pass up this fantastic purchase from Jaipur because the bed linens have a reasonable price. So, make the most of your trip to Jaipur by taking in this fantastic attraction.

Mojris:

You can find mojris all around the country. However, you cannot compare the vibrant Mojris of Jaipur with anywhere else. The diversity of mojris you may see in Jaipur will enchant you at first sight. However, a large variety of mojris available in Jaipur comes in various colours and designs.

Jaipuri Handcrafted Handbags:

You might try shopping for handbags that are offered in the Jaipur style while you are in Jaipur. Visitors are primarily drawn to these stylish and handcrafted bags. The purchasers have many options to pick from as these purses come in various designs and styles.

Blue Pottery:

Jaipur is one of the very few locations where you may find a sizable quantity of blue pottery that is of highest quality. Therefore, the collection and designs of blue pottery artwork is something that draws people to shopping in Jaipur.

Blue pottery comes in various forms, including ashtrays, pots, containers, jars, etc. Make sure that it is on your shopping list.

Lac Bangles:

Bangles from Jaipur are among the most popular items to purchase because of this intricate Kundan work that further enhances their beauty and allure.

The variety of bangles that you may find in Jaipur will astound you. These bangles come in a variety of sizes and hues as well. As a result, you may be certain to locate your ideal match.

Jaipur City is known for its delicious and Famous Rajasthani food in Jaipur that tastes great. The Rajasthani dishes and Famous food in Jaipur are Dal-Baati-Churma, Laal Maas, Keema Baati, Ghewar, Khulfi, and Pyaz Kachori, and there are many things to eat in Jaipur. Thousands of tourists come from different parts of the country to taste the delicious food. The Local Street food is also very delicious in Jaipur; it is spicy, tangy, and ghee-dripping, which looks good and tasty.
Jaipur's cuisine is a treat for the taste buds. Don't miss the opportunity to indulge in a traditional Rajasthani thali for a wholesome culinary experience.

Shopping Extravaganza:

When you go out shopping here, we can bet that you will do a lot of shopping, Jaipur Handicraft and Jaipuri Dresses are the choices of every traveler. To fulfill this desire for your shopping, you can hire a self-drive rental car and can shop freely in any market of Jaipur.
Explore the bustling bazaars of Jaipur, where every alleyway is a treasure trove of handicrafts, textiles, and jewelry. From the vibrant bazaars of Johari and Bapu to the cultural hub of Tripolia, shopping in Jaipur is an immersive experience in itself.

Jaipur specialties:

   

There is no doubt that taking camel safaris in Jaipur is one of the best activities for tourists to engage in over the golden sand dunes of Rajasthan. A camel ride in Jaipur can be enjoyed around the areas of Jal Mahal at the Lake Front.

You can enjoy the setting sun while sitting on the back of an elephant. This mesmeric view would enthral your senses and would surely give you a taste of royalty to experience.

Teej is one of the most celebrated festivals in Jaipur. The festival holds great religious significance amongst the people of Jaipur, especially amongst women. Married women conduct rituals and prayers for Goddess Parvati. They pray for their husbands and for their married lives. Single women pray for an ideal husband.



Conclusion:

As you bid adieu to the Pink City, carry with you the echoes of centuries past, the vibrant colors of its streets, and the warmth of its people. Jaipur is not just a destination; it's an embodiment of India's rich cultural heritage, where every step resonates with the heartbeat of history. Come, be a part of this timeless journey, and let Jaipur weave its magic on you.