Eight Ways to Become an Active Listener

Active listening is a skill you must develop, and it requires patience and practice. The result is worth the effort since actively listening allows you to gain information, clarity and knowledge.

Here are eight ways you can build your active listening skills:

1. Find a common interest. You'll listen better when you're interested.



2. Judge content, not delivery. Many people find public speaking extremely difficult, and the fact that a presenter is nervous should not detract from his or her message. It's easy to be so busy judging the speaker on technique, appearance and personality that you no longer hear the words. Concentrate on what is being said.



3. Delay judgment until the speaker is finished. Resist the urge to rush to conclusions after a few words, and don't begin developing your response in your mind--positive or negative--while the person is still speaking.



4. Listen for the main idea of the message. As you listen, summarize what the presenter is saying and concentrate on finding the main gist of the words.



5. Take notes--mentally or physically--on the important points in order to be able to refresh your memory at a later time



6. Avoid physical and environmental distractions. Usually no one wants to sit in the front rows of a presentation, but try it. You'll be amazed how many fewer interruptions and distractions there are. If in an office, face away from windows, turn off phones or radios and give your full attention to the person speaking.



7. Don't let prejudices or assumptions cause you to miss the message. If you put up a filter of preconceived ideas or other past experiences, you'll only hear what you expect to hear.



8. Observe body language to help you "read between the lines." Listen with your eyes as well as your ears to ensure a better understanding of the message.

Learn the techniques and strategies you need to get your point across confidently and effectively--and get the results you want through others--by attending SkillPath's fast-paced, one-day seminar, Assertive Communication Skills For Women. There's one coming soon to a city near you.

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