the art of listening – 5 ways to do it better

The Art of Listening – 5 Ways to do it Better

Listening is such a powerful tool that everyone should learn to use it more

effectively both in the workplace and within our personal relationships too. Here are five

tips for becoming a better listener.

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FocusRemove all distractions and concentrate on whoever is speaking. This means ignoring your phone and emails. Ideally go somewhere quiet to talk and leave your phone behind.

Make TimeIf you are in a rush you won’t be focused on the conversation and you won’t be listening properly as your mind will be elsewhere. Clear space in your diary to ensure that you can concentrate on the discussion.

Ask questions & give feedback Show that you are listening by asking pertinent questions at the appropriate moment. Even signaling that you are listening through visual cues such as nodding can be helpful.

No ifs, no buts but andWhen you do speak don’t start your sentence with “if” or “but” which have negative connotations use “and” to build on what the speaker has just said.

RememberIf this is a follow-up conversation show that you were listening last time by including a relevant point from that conversation.

If you do all the above you will not only become a better listener but

you will also get much more out of your conversations too.

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reach out to you to raise ideas, issues and concerns in a safe

environment by providing their feedback anonymously.

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