Why should I improve my listening skills?
That's a great question. For the simple reason that a person's listening skills are a central component of most activities that interest people. Your ability to understand what others are trying to tell you, understand project details, obtain information about a client's needs, or understand what is happening in your family life depends on your ability to listen effectively.
While most people have the ability to listen, many have never taken the time to consciously develop the ability to listen. Here are four gold nuggets to help you improve your listening skills:
Slow down and relax. The fact that your mind can think at least 7 times faster than humans can speak identifies much of the problem early on. To maximize the amount of information you can get out of a conversation, you should minimize the number of thoughts that go through your head. To help you slow down and relax, you can try taking slow, deep breaths or sitting up. Oftentimes, both can help slow down if you're feeling rushed.
Concentrate on what is being said. That doesn't mean multitasking! If you divide your attention on something other than what is being said, be it reading, typing on your computer, or even taking notes, your hearing will be significantly distracted. He is also often angry or even disrespectful to the person speaking.
Ask clarifying questions. Oftentimes, what we think we are hearing and what the speaker was trying to convey are two different things. By jumping to conclusions or making assumptions, we often guess wrong. Oftentimes, people find that in reflecting on the meaning of past comments, they overlook what the person is saying. If you're not sure what the person said, be sure to ask a question or two that will clarify your comment. Anyone speaking should thank him for this, as it shows that he is listening and that he is interested in really understanding what is being said.
Note that much of communication is non-verbal. Listening with your eyes is just as important as listening with your ears. By making good eye contact with the speaker, you will get a lot more meaning from what is being said. Facial expressions, hand gestures, and body language play an important role in understanding the entire message. By actively watching the person speak, you also show your commitment and give him more confidence and energy in what he says.
Certainly mastering the art of listening doesn't happen overnight, so be patient with yourself as you try out his new skills, enjoy the process, and as always ...
Be FREE!