Have you ever had that feeling that you may as well just "shut up", nobody ever listens to you, or you in the middle of your story and you keep getting interrupted by the so called "listener", who wants to tell you their story before you have a chance to finish yours. It really sucks.
I think we all know the feeling. We are not very good listeners. We haven't ever really been taught how to listen. We were taught how to write and how to speak, but not to listen.
But there is hope for us if we just make an effort to learn or improve on a few skills to make us better listeners.
But there is hope for us if we just make an effort to learn or improve on a few skills to make us better listeners.
1. Be prepared to listen. Focus and clear your mind of other thoughts.
2. Give the speaker your undivided attention. Don't interrupt, or finish their sentence for them.
3. Don't be distracted and try to avoid any interruptions.
2. Give the speaker your undivided attention. Don't interrupt, or finish their sentence for them.
3. Don't be distracted and try to avoid any interruptions.
4. Show the speaker respect. Their needs and concerns are also important. Nod, maintain eye contact, show you are listening and understanding.
5. Don't be judgemental or jump to conclusions.
5. Don't be judgemental or jump to conclusions.
6. Listen with empathy. Put yourself in the speakers' shoes. How are they feeling? What has made them feel that way? Why are they feeling that way? It helps to build trust and respect.
7. Practise reflective listening. Mirror back, in your own words what someone is trying to tell you. For example, "Let me make sure I understand you .......". It shows you are paying attention, and they can correct you if you are wrong.
7. Practise reflective listening. Mirror back, in your own words what someone is trying to tell you. For example, "Let me make sure I understand you .......". It shows you are paying attention, and they can correct you if you are wrong.
Improving our listening skills helps in many areas of our lives:
I am sure you do practise some of these skills already, but make a conscious effort to improve on them to make you a better listener.
I hope this has been a help, let me know by leaving a comment. Thank you.
- we form better relationships
- we are more productive
- we are more efficient
- helps in negotiations
- misunderstandings can be avoided
- there is less conflict in our lives
I am sure you do practise some of these skills already, but make a conscious effort to improve on them to make you a better listener.
I hope this has been a help, let me know by leaving a comment. Thank you.
This is your "ADMIN ANGEL" signing off,
till next time,
have a great week ahead. See you soon
till next time,
have a great week ahead. See you soon
PS: Are you feeling a little stressed out??
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