When it comes to dealing with coworkers, friends, family, relationships, or helping a loved one through health issues, listening is an essential life skill. Sadly, most people struggle with listening, but there are several strategies to improve your listening skills!
First advice
Make eye contact while facing the speaker: Try avoiding eye contact for five seconds at a time, or stare into their lips for five seconds after staring at one eye for five seconds, to demonstrate that you are paying attention. It’s preferable to look up or to the side when you look away rather than down, which can give the impression that you’re trying to end the conversation.
The second piece of advice
Observe nonverbal clues as well: Just as much can be revealed by gestures, tone of voice, and facial expressions as by spoken words. Observe the other person’s body language and note whether they are happy, sad, scared, puzzled, or smiling. Just keep in mind that you may still pick up a lot from the other person’s voice, whether they are speaking quietly or loudly.
Third point
Being a good listener means not interjecting: Interrupting someone else might be annoying since it suggests that you value yourself more or don’t have time to listen to what they have to say. Remember that you don’t have to speak up right away if there is a pause or brief period of silence. You will be able to comprehend the other person’s message more easily if you allow them to talk.
The Fourth Piece of Advice to Prove You are Listening: Periodically indicate that you are listening by nodding your head, grinning, making gestures, and making little noises like “yes,” “hmm,” and “uh huh.” This will help the speaker go on. Avoid fidgeting, staring at your watch, and playing with your nails or hair.
(Additional materials from the British Heart Foundation)
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