Be An Active Listener
Be An Active Listener
Be An Active Listener!
Do you think you're a good listener?
Many individuals believe they possess exceptional listening skills, but most people need to improve in this area. Often, we listen with the intention to respond instead of listening to comprehend. A listener who strives to understand is a more effective communicator than one who doesn't. In this section we will look at how to enhance your listening skills and show the people you converse with that you are genuinely interested in their thoughts.
- Avoid interrupting. Although it may be challenging to suppress the urge to relate to the speaker by interjecting with phrases like "Oh yeah, I've been there before," doing so shifts the focus away from the speaker and interrupts their train of thought.
- Observe non-verbal cues. Pay attention to physical cues that suggest the person you are speaking with isn't doing well, even though they claim to be okay. Being a good listener involves understanding body language. Even if you're in a different physical space than the speaker, listening closely to their tone and pitch can provide valuable insight.
- Refrain from imposing solutions. Don't assume that someone is seeking your assistance unless they have explicitly requested it. Offering unsolicited advice can be perceived as insensitive and offensive, particularly if the person struggles to develop a resolution. Most people want someone to listen and empathise with their situation, perhaps providing a different perspective or asking questions to help them sort through the issue. If you must offer guidance, ask, "Would you like my opinion?"
- Repeat for clarity and ask questions. Feel free to pause and clarify if you become lost in the conversation or want to ensure you've understood correctly. This demonstrates that you're actively listening and invested in the conversation. You can say, "So, if I heard correctly, ___ occurred, and then ___ said this. That must have been tough to hear... how did it make you feel?"
- Stay on topic. Often, as someone is recounting an event, something arises that may pique your interest, such as a mutual acquaintance. Instead of interrupting with "Oh yeah, how are they doing? Have you spoken to them?" which may cause the speaker to deviate from their story, take responsibility for going off-topic, apologise, and ask them to continue where they left off.
Do you currently utilise any of these active listening methods?
I hope you have enjoyed this information. Until next time!
Emma Alexander-Cook.
