How to improve your listening skills

Listening is the other half of communication and arguably the best half. Unfortunately, most people rarely receive formal training on how to listen properly. Improving your listening skills can positively impact your professional and personal life. Follow these practical steps towards becoming a better listener.

Listening is a critical skill

1. Master the basics of communicating. Talking is only one side of effective communication. We also need to understand the messages that people are sending us.

2. Build stronger relationships. Listening is critical to let family and friends know that you value and appreciate them. Many conflicts can be avoided if we work to understand each other’s views.

3. Develop/advance your career. Practicing active listening helps better understand an employer’s expectations and prioritize the best use of your work time. And expressing a sincere interest in what colleagues have to say is essential for fostering positive professional connections.

4. Develop a stronger sense of emotional well-being. Strategies involved in active listening are beneficial to your mental and emotional health. Enhance your peace of mind by minimizing distractions while listening. Learning to empathize with others is a powerful antidote to anger.

General tips for effective listening

1. Ignore distractions. Listen intently to what the speaker has to say. If you notice your mind wandering, bring it back to the subject.

2. Make eye contact with the speaker. Let the speaker know you’re interested. Having an appreciative audience makes it easier for people to express themselves. It will also help you stay alert.

3. Listen for the main points. As a rule of thumb, it’s better to focus on understanding the key points rather than trying to memorize every word. Listen as though you are taking notes even if you’re not.

4. Hear people out. Allow people to speak freely without interruption. Concentrate on what they're saying rather than formulating your response.

5. Pretend you’re doing an interview. Most people think much faster than they can talk. Use this to your advantage. Find ways to keep your mind engaged if it’s starting to run ahead. Analyze what the speaker is saying and draft questions that help clarify or elaborate on the main points.

How to listen effectively in challenging situations

1. Encourage people to express themselves. Sometimes people are hesitant to approach a sensitive topic. To facilitate a more in-depth discussion, utilize open-ended questions and long pauses.

2. Develop empathy. One of the best ways to understand what a person is really saying is to put yourself in their shoes. Try to understand their thinking and feelings.

3. Cultivate a sense of empathy. When you’re listening to something that evokes intense emotions, you may need to detach yourself temporarily from your feelings. Distinguishing between what is actually spoken rather than assumptions and feelings is important when communicating.

4. Preparation is the key to success. Preparation is vital if you’re listening to complex or unfamiliar subjects. Acquainting yourself with the basic facts means you’re more likely to keep up with specialized discussions.

5. Make sure the message is correct. Listening attentively and verifying what the other person is saying is critical with complex or emotionally charged material. You can repeat a brief summary of the message, ensuring you’re both on the same page.

Becoming a better listener can enhance life and help you make a more positive contribution to the lives of others.