Discover How to Listen Actively
Active listening, speaking and writing are all elements of good communication, which is the key to maintaining close relationships. It takes proper active listening techniques build communication and sustain healthy friendships and kinships.
For effective communication, someone dellivers the information and someone receives the information. Excelling in both ends of the spectrum fosters much improved communication and success in building lasting relationships.
Active listening may not seem like it is a skill that needs to be learned. It’s natural to assume everyone can listen. However, if you experience miscommunications and/or misunderstandings between you and an alliance, pay close attention to the receiving end … you.
Techniques for Active Listening
Reviewing and learning the following approaches to become an active listener may improve the free flow and understanding of information in your relationships.
Focus on the message being conveyed. Begin by repeating, in your mind, what the person is saying to you. This prevents your mind from drifting by helping you gain a clear understanding of what is being said by reinforcing the idea in your brain. You will train yourself to start listening intently to the speaker’s message.
Demonstrate your listening position. The use of body language, such as facial expressions and eye contact is helpful in letting the speaker know you are listening. Let the speaker know you are listening by looking them in the eye. Move you head up and down to send the message that you are actively listening. Smiling, scoffing, smirking, laughing or raising your eyebrows are all nonverbal cues that you can used to engage in the converstation.
Do not speak out of turn. We need our ears to actively listen. Interrupting the speaker is impolite and ill-mannered. You must let the speaker finish speaking. You miss the message when you interrupt.
Pay Close Attention. Clear your mind of distracting thoughts. Don’t prepare responses in your mind while the speaker is stil talking. You can’t pay attention to the speaker if you are distracted. Use your body language to engage in the conversation by turning your body toward the speaker and making eye contact. Calm your mind.
Reply to the message. When the speaker has stopped, or paused, you should paraphrase what has been said, especially when personal feelings are the topic. This way, you will gain a clear understanding. Avoid misconceptions by asking questions about things you don’t understand. It is perfectly polite to encourage the speaker to tell you more by using short interjections, such as “uh-huh” or “yes.”
All of the previous techniques used to transform someone into an active listener will assist in building solid, healthy, respectful relationships that last a lifetime. So say what you mean, mean what you say … and always, always engage in active listening.