“One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say.” -Bryant H McGill
Do you want to improve your relationships, both personal and professional? Communication is the key to any relationship. In order to communicate effectively, we must first learn to listen. Engaging in effective, active listening may take a little bit of effort, but can have a huge impact on the quality of your interactions in every part of your life. The following tips will help you to hone your listening skills:
Avoid distractions We all lead busy lives. Between our to-do lists, daily shopping, picking up the kids, work tasks, and social media it’s really easy to get distracted. To engage in active listening, you should block out all distractions and try to really focus on what is being said. This means not checking your phone, or thinking of all the other things that need to be done. This also means really listening to the other person and not thinking of what you will say next.
Pay attention to more than words People use more than just words to communicate their thoughts. Body language and tone of voice are important components of communication. If you only pay attention to the words being said you could miss something major in the conversation. This goes for your own body language as well. Are you making eye contact? If you want to show that you are open and engaged, be sure to sit up, lean forward slightly and keep an open stance.
Summarize and confirm that you understand Repeat what the person has told you in your own words and ask questions to ensure you are on the right track. Try using phrases like, “The way I understand that is…” or “What I’m hearing is…” and then seek confirmation. “Is that correct?” or “Did I get that right?” This works in two ways, it ensures that you are comprehending what the other person is saying and it shows the other person that you care and truly hear them!
Remember listening is a two-way street! If other people perceive that you are a good listener, they are more likely to listen closer to what you are saying. Try these tips out and watch your listening skills improve along with the quality of your relationships.
Want to learn more about being an effective listener? Check out this FREE learning opportunity on GCFGlobal
