The Art of Listening

in #conversation7 years ago (edited)

Be an Active Listener -  Don't just sit there staring off into space.  People will ask you if you are even paying attention to what they are saying.  

Don't Interrupt - Let the speaker finish their thought before you blurt out a guess about what they are about to say next.  This is very rude and people will be offended.

Stay on Topic - If someone if trying to tell you something that is important to them, do not start muttering on and on about random things that pop into your head.  Keep your subconscious out of the conversation.   

No Napping - This is similar to "Be an Active Listener", but could be called "Be an Awake Listener".  Do not put your head down on a desk with your arms over your head, this may muffle the sound of their speaking, making some words hard to hear.

Pay Attention and Ask Questions - If you want to show someone that you care about what they are speaking about, ask a few direct questions at the appropriate times.  Gather more information and act genuinely interested in the answers they give you.

Maintain Appropriate Eye Contact - Let them know they are listening to them by looking them in the eye.  It is a respectful thing to do.  Don't stare without blinking.  This is very distracting and may freak them out.  The will begin to feel anxious like you see something that they don't.  Remember to blink.

Choose Who You Listen To Carefully - Some people might be fun to listen to, but be careful what they are saying to you.   Certain people might be trying to change your world view, political view, or religious persuasion.  If they seem to be trying to sell you something unworthy of your attention, let them know right away that you are not interested in listening to them an further.  Doing this toward the beginning of the conversation may save you a lot of headaches later  on.   An elaborate set of hard-bound encyclopedias is cumbersome to return via mail a few weeks later when you realize you still have the internet.

Take Notes When Appropriate - It is entirely appropriate to jot down a few notes during the conversation.  People will take notice that you cared enough about what they were trying to tell you that you actually took the time to write it down.  You may have just made a friend for life!


Try some of these helpful hints during your next conversation.


and follow @pixzelplethora



Sort:  

thanks for sharing great content

Thanks for having a look at it @machhour with two h's.

nice post.. listening is the key part,. if u dont listen properly u cant react properly,.. a tiny bit of difference can make a big difference...

''Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they simply listen with the intent to reply''