E-Tip #387: 5 Tips for Becoming A Better Listener

Becoming a better listener is a skill that most people need to develop, and "good listening" adds to both our social and professional lives. Not only that, it helps us understand the duties we need to perform in order to be successful. According to many experts, "good listeners" display a blueprint of distinctive behaviors that can be easily practiced and mastered.


5 Tips For Becoming A Better Listener:



Tip #1: Stay Focused - It is easy to get distracted by activities going on around you. Try to have meetings in places that will have minimal external distractions. Pay close attention to what others are saying, and take notes if possible. It often times helps, before going into a meeting, to have an outline as a way to keep things on track.


Tip #2: Interpret Both Words, Emotions And Gestures - The words people use are just one part of what they are saying. You can capture the whole message by also paying attention to the emotions behind the words and the gestures connected to the words.


Tip #3: Do Not Interrupt - Your interruptions can decrease effective communication on everyone's end. The other person does not feel heard, because we are focusing on what we have to say when we interrupt. Be considerate and let the other person finish their message before responding.


Tip #4: Resist Filtering And Close-Mindedness - Be open-minded to new ideas. Do not judge what someone says based on your personal values. Try honestly to see things from the other person's point of view. It is an effective listening skill to not only hear what the other person is saying, but also to try and understand their perspective. It can help us stayed tuned into what the other person is saying.


Tip #5: Summarize The Message - To confirm and to be sure you heard the message correctly, offer a quick summary back to the person. This reflective listening skill helps us to stay actively engaged with them. Again, take notes when possible.


Executive Summary: Eye contact, attention to verbal and non-verbal cues, holding off on interruptions, stepping into the other person's shoes and summarizing what has been said are all good techniques for active listening. Good listening skills can go a long way in your business life. Compare your listening skills to the tips listed above, and determine how you can better implement them in your next conversation.

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