Communication always requires a listener and a speaker. Speaking and listening are both, inseparable part of a meaningful communication. We all speak out our views, but do we actually listen when the other person speaks? The probable answer is ‘No’. Think of a situation when you were speaking and the person you were talking to, stood up and walked away. How did you feel at that time? I know it hurts to even remember such an incident. Besides, if the listener doesn’t take interest in the conversation or looks around to get a break, the speaker feels out of the place.
Listening is a vital element of communication and it is very much different from hearing. By being a good listener, you can sort out various problems at office and home. In fact, you will see the world through other’s eyes. This will improve your understanding and capacity to empathize. Acknowledging other people’s works and efforts makes them feel good. If someone is going through some problem, listening to him/her could be a great relief, and then coming up with a solution would be the best thing you can do. Check out the following lines to know what the traits of a good listener are.
How to Be a Good Listener
- Listen while keeping the eye contact - This shows that you’re interested in listening to what is being said.
- Be slow to speak - At times, people speak to take out their frustration. Actually they want a shoulder to count on and a keen ear to listen to them. Listen first and whenever speaking, speak slowly so that the person gets time to solve things at his end.
- Keep the secret - When people tell you something personal, they expect that you will the keep the information with yourself and will not gossip around. Keep the trust by keeping talks private.
- Be attentive - Learn to listen keenly and let the speaker know that you’re actually listening to him. You can speak phrases, like yeah, hmmm, I know, that’s true, okay, etc, in between, so as to show your interest.
- Show gratitude - Allow the speaker to discern that you feel pleased that he/she opened up with you. If nothing personal was whispered, then let the speaker know that you enjoyed listening to him/her and you actually learnt a lot.
- Stay in tune - While the conversation is still going on, don’t disappear in between just because your mind drifted. Any type of fidgeting and fiddling show that you’re not interested in listening. If you’re finding it difficult to concentrate, start repeating what is being said to you by the speaker.
