Being heard and understood is a need for everyone. Because we all want to know the people in our lives care about us.
Having someone listen and respond to your needs can help you feel important. This is where active listening technique becomes important.
Maybe you haven’t heard of active listening before. Basically, it’s listening with the intent of understanding the total meaning of what the other person is saying. You do this by allowing the person to speak without interruption, and then you reiterate back what they said.
The goal of active listening.
The goal of active listening is to improve understanding between both parties.
You may not believe it, but there’s more to listening than simply being quiet. In fact, someone who’s an active listener will encourage the speaker to talk, try to clarify any points they don’t understand and be sure they’re aware of the speaker’s intent.
An active listener will enable the speaker to feel like they’ve genuinely heard something and understood.
Before you begin a dialogue, especially if the subject matter is important, be sure you’re in a location where you won’t be interrupted by noise or distractions. This sets the stage for a meaningful conversation.
Techniques you can use to improve your communications:
1. Be attentive.
Pay attention to the person speaking with you. Bide focused on what they’re saying, without trying to anticipate what they’re going to say next. Stay in the moment.
2. Respect the speaker. Pay attention to the speaker when he talks.
* Pay attention to both verbal and nonverbal clues. Body language, facial expressions, and posture can all offer a detailed picture of what’s going on .
3. Keep your attitude in check.
Avoid confrontation or indignation. You’re not trying to win an debate; you’re trying to understand the person with whom you’re speaking.
4. Avoid letting your personal preferences affect how you listen.
Try to keep your personal ideas from clouding the speaker’s statements.
5. Don’t jump to conclusions.
Regardless of what the speaker says, don’t make assumptions or judgments about what they said. Find out all the facts and ask questions if you need to.
6. If you don’t understand what’s being said, clarify by asking questions.
Refrain from interrupting. Ask your questions in an even tone of voice when the speaker pauses.
7. Try not to become distracted by what someone is saying.
Daydreaming about what you need at the grocery store won’t help your friend in need, and if you lose track of the conversation you’ll come across as uncaring.
8. Give appropriate nonverbal clues.
When you’re actively listening to someone, your body language will show whether you’re giving attention or not.
* Look the speaker in the eye while they’re talking and try to maintain eye contact as long as it’s comfy for both of you .
* When speaking to another person reach out and touching their arm or shoulder will also help the person you’re speaking with recognize that you’re interested in what they’re saying .
* Nodding your psyche is another indication that you’re listening .
9. Repeat back what you heard.
This lets the speaker know that you’re really listening. Also, when you say what you understood, it makes them a chance to clarify any miscommunications.
You can learn how to listen actively.
In conclusion, it doesn’t take long and the results will be worth the effort. You, your spouse, business collaborator, co-worker, or children will all benefit from learning and utilizing these simple active listening techniques.
