Most communication researchers agree that listening skills are declining in our society. Whether or not this statement is valid, most of us, if we are being completely honest, do engage in some form of "not listening." What barriers to listening do you encounter most and why? Prepare a 1-page essay that examines your own listening habits and strategize ways in which you could improve your ability to really hear others. Please follow these steps:

a) First, identify two barriers you face when you try to listen.

b) Explain the ways these barriers could create - or have created - a problem for you.

c) Finally, describe some strategies that you could employ to improve your listening habits. Remember to justify your strategies and the ways in which they are linked to improved communication skills.