How To Develop Good Listening Skills

How To Develop Good Listening Skills

When we come into this world we learn to listen, much before we learn to talk. But as grown-ups we most often forget to listen because we do not find time from talking. A constant chatterer is generally a bore and repulsive. A good listener, who lends an empathetic ear in all conversations, always wins hearts.

Just like you cannot discard any habit in a single day, you can't build one either. You need to constantly practice being a good listener before it comes naturally to you. To be a good listener:

• You should be sincere and attentive. Don't ever pretend to be listening while your mind wanders over your last date. Fake attention is always visible.

• Ask questions to express interest and not to interrogate.

• Increase your awareness and knowledge. Then you would have wider areas of interest.

• Be a courteous listener and never interrupt even if you disagree with the speaker.

• Take notes, wherever possible.

• Don't be in a hurry to react. Listen, understand, analyze and then speak if required.

• If your mind wanders, search for topics that interest you in the conversation and tactfully divert the speaker towards it.

• Maintain eye contact with the speaker but do not stare. Fidgeting or nail biting during a conversation, reflect poor manners.

• Do not try to finish the sentence for others. They may get put off by you.

• If someone makes a mistake while speaking, don't correct him in front of the group. Take him aside later and politely mention your thoughts to him.

• Remember, the one who goes away from your conversation feeling happy about his own conversational skills, is sure to be pleased with you. Listening provides you an opportunity to learn. Don't waste it by talking incessantly.