“There are people who, instead of listening to what is being said to them, are already thinking about what they are going to say themselves.” Albert Guinon
Do you find it difficult to listen on occasion? Do you miss out on opportunities because you miss key information? You are not alone! It is estimated that people screen out or misunderstand the intended meaning or purpose of what they hear in over 70% of all communications! The strongest influence on the quality and outcome of all communication is the ability to listen effectively. Only if you listen effectively can you respond appropriately.
Here are a few tips to improve Listening Quality:
- Restrict Distractions: Reduce or eliminate sound and sight distractions. Avoid looking at papers or emails during a conversation. Listen to one person at a time.
- Take Notes: Note taking keeps you focused on what is being said in addition to having a reference tool for later.
- Reflect and Restate: Before you provide your input or opinion, check to make sure you understood the message. Repeat back what you just heard to allow the sender to clarify missed or misunderstood points. Avoid interrupting the message sender.
- Show Interest: Your body language, eye contact and facial expression should show interest in the message sender. Use encouraging words and sounds such as a-ah, I see, tell me more, interesting point, etc.
- Ask Questions: Use your probing skills to learn as much as you can about the message sender’s point of view. Clarify who, what, when, where, how and why, but don’t let the sender feel like he/she is being interrogated!
Listening can be hard work but with regular practice anyone can improve their Listening Quality.
“Listening is a magnetic and strange thing, a creative force. The friends who listen to us are the ones we move toward. When we are listened to, it creates us, makes us unfold and expand.” Karl Menninger