|
Being a good listener is essential for good communication and healthy relationships. Improving your listening skills will help you to avoid and solve problems. I have learned that there are 7 tips to improving listening skills.
 Wear their shoes
Listen from the other person's perspective. Seek to understand their situation and try to understand their point of view. Do not judge their feelings, imagine that you feel the same way and show understanding.
Don't think ahead
I have found that I often miss what is being said to me because I am busy trying to think of responses and remember them. Wait for the person to stop talking before you start to formulate thoughts. Simply listen and absorb information at first.
Pay Attention
Simply paying attention to the speaker is essential, however it doesn't happen as often as you may think. Focus 100% on what is being said, and don't let your mind wander or interrupt them. Don't check your phone, text, answer calls or be reading something. The person speaking will feel appreciated and understood.
No interrupting
Just being quiet and letting the other person talk without chiming in or giving your two cents does wonders to a conversation. Save your remarks for after your comrade is done talking. While chiming in you might miss something. The point is, talking while someone else is trying to make a point steals the lime light from them to you and listening is all about giving the other person your attention.
Use body language
Instead of chiming in, show that you're listening by nodding your head. This encourages the speaker to continue. Make eye contact. Make sure you have pleasant or appropriate facial expressions that show your interest in what is being said.
Ask questions
The most important thing you can do to make someone feel listened to, understood and appreciated is to ask them questions about how what they just said after they are done talking.
|
