Quote of the day:
“I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen.” -- Ernest Hemingway
Consider:
One of the most important communication and conversation skills is listening.
People appreciate those who they feel like and respect them enough to listen attentively to whatever they have to say—their ups and downs, their joys and troubles. People often aren’t necessarily looking for answers or advice, but they want to be able to express their feelings and to have the satisfaction of knowing someone else understands and empathizes with them. You pay people a high compliment simply by hearing them out.
Some specific tips on how to be a good listener:
§ Give the person speaking your full attention. Make eye contact and avoid doing or looking at other things while the person is speaking to you.
§ Listen to the words being said, but look deeper. Take note of expressions and body language.
§ Give little acknowledgments or signs to show your attentiveness—nodding or saying things like “That’s interesting,” or “I see.”
§ Ask questions that will draw the person out more.
§ Ask for clarifications when needed.
§ Don’t interrupt. Be sure that the person has finished before you interject your comments or views. If you aren’t sure whether the person is finished, ask.
§ Avoid comments such as “What you should do is …” or “If I were you …” unless the person specifically asked you for advice.
§ If you prove yourself to be a good listener, then it’s more likely that others will return the favor when you need a listening ear.
(Compliments of http://www.actionvisioncoaching.com/)
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