How Do You Improve Effective Listening Skills?
There is a lot of emphasis placed on the ability to speak in our culture. Skilled public speakers are respected, while little attention is paid to listening skills. This is unfortunate because good listening skills are a common characteristic of many of the world’s greatest leaders. Improving your listening skills can enhance your relationships, get increased results in the business world, and allow you to pay the respect others deserve when they are speaking. Exhibit positive body language towards the speaker. Look at the speaker directly, and nod your head occasionally. Use a simple but highly effective smile often as he speaks. Make an effort to show a posture that is open and inviting. Use verbal acknowledgements. Saying things like “yes, I see what you mean” are encouraging to the speaker. Don’t mistake this as an opportunity for you to speak; you are only using a few words to show the speaker you are engaged and listening. Resist the urge to start mentally preparing a rebuttal or
