My OperaHow to Have Good Listening Skills
Friday, October 23, 2009 9:51:48 AM
Listening skills are important for your success in life. Success in school, at your job, and in relationships can be hindered by poor listening skills. Active listening skills can be learned and should be practiced. Improving listening skills takes awareness more than anything else. To have good listening skills, try the following steps:
1. Make it your goal to understand what the speaker is trying to communicate. This is the most important part of having good listening skills. Remember your goal as a listener is to understand what is being said. If you are just waiting for your chance to say something, you will miss what the speaker saying.
2. Concentrate on what the speaker is saying. Avoid distractions from the environment or your own thoughts. Emotional reactions or preparing arguments are mental distractions that take away your ability to understand what the speaker is trying to say. Improving listening skills like this one takes practice.
3. Try to understand the full message the speaker is communicating. Take into account body language and inflection - but don’t be distracted by it! Just note it and move on. Don’t get caught up in one or two statements. Listen for the main idea. Asking yourself mental questions, and mentally summarizing what the speaker is saying are good listening skills.
4. Be an active listener. Use body language and facial gestures to show that you are listening. Nod your head, maintain eye contact with the speaker, and smile. Use receptive speech like, “mm hmm,” “really,” “I see,” “I hear you,” etc.
Source: http://www.ehow.com/
(100%)
