How To Be a Good Listener

Welcome back to YouthVeda. To be a better person in life, you must be a good listener. This article will help you to improve  your listening skills within a very short period of time. Each and every successful people do more listening than talking. So, if you want to get success in life, try to be a good listener.

“One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say.” –Bryant H. McGill

How To Improve Listening Skills

be a good listenerPay Attention

Do not dilute the act of listening with a blank expression or gazing around. Listen with your eyes as well as ears. The gesture alone will be appreciated.

Fight Distraction

Create a climate conductive to meaningful communication by eliminating or minimizing distractions created by people, noise or environment. If at all possible, seek privacy. At all times, listen with your mind. Focus your complete interest on what the other person is saying.

Watch Your Emotions

Your facial expression, the tone of your voice, your “body language” reveal volumes about your feelings, attitude and reactions to what the other person is saying. If boredom or impatience is detected, it may interrupt the speaker.

Get Involved While Listening

Lean forward. Nod your head, respond to the speaker’s facial expressions. Ask questions that will draw the other person out such as, “what happened next?” or “what is your opinion?”

Focus On Ideas, Not Facts Alone

Look for hidden meanings in the things that people say or didn’t say. Try to identify the underlying purpose or desire of what is being said. It may lead to a significant discovery. Bitternes for a example may be masking a sense of guilt.

Take Notes

People are doubly complimented if, in addition to listening attentively, you also takes notes on what they are saying. It makes the other person feel that what he is saying is important. It is at this point that your interest and attention are clear.

Use “feedback”

When entering the discussion, repeat some of the speaker’s words and ideas. It not only proves you have been listening, but is also a good way to introduce your own thoughts without opposition. Preface some of your remarks with: “As you pointed out” or “I agree with you that….”.