Becoming a Better Listener

How many times have we gotten ourselves into hot water for not listening to our better half? When interacting with others do you tend to cut in when they are talking to you? Better yet how many times you failed to listen to your boss? And what was the outcome of not listening? It could be anger from your better half, loss of credibility at work, or even loss. Though out my personal and professional career I have always heard listening is the greatest skill.  In this article I’m going to give you tips on how to become an effective listener. By following these tips, your listening skills will improve making you a much more effective communicator.

Tips for Becoming a Better Listener

• Make listening your number one goal
• Prepare to listen
• When listening, be empathetic, put yourself on the communicator place, don’t judge, and focus on the message
• Pay attention to the communicators body laungauge
• Finding personal value on what is being said
• Speak less, don’t interrupt
• Give the speaker direct eye contact
• In your work environment make sure you have a notepad and pencil handy to jot down important parts of the message
• When it is your turn to speak summarize what the communicator has stated for clarity and ask questions if you don’t understand

Conclusion

Using these tips you will have creditability in your occupation, will able to effectively communicate with your better half, friends, and also strangers.  I do admit becoming a great listener is a work at progress. As long as you are aware of your listening habits (positive and negative) you can improve this vital communication skill.