Active Listening is an Art
Over the years , I have attended countless meetings …… and I so often don’t implement the secret that I know makes for a successful meeting – and that is
Below are 3 key strategies – that I am going to make an active point of improving…….
- Give people time to reply
I am guilty of starting a conversation and putting a thought or question out there, and instead of giving the other individual time to formulate a response, i immediately re-phrase the question or remark and answer it!
I tend to hi-jack a conversation and realise that I spoke too soon and cut off the other person’s response.
- Listen to understand
We often don’t hear, or worse, understand what the other person says because I am so busy formulating our response to what I assume they will say.
I want to be perceived as quick witted and always prepared with a snappy comeback to any question or comment.
The problem with this is that I missing so much vital information, because I am not actively listening to what the other human is saying
- Listen with intent and notice verbal and non verbal cues
Hear every word, pick up on each nuance, and watch their non-verbal body language.
For example
When a person is excited to share information, or tell you a very key point, they intuitively lean forward as if to say, “don’t miss this next point because it is very important”.
Whether they raise or lower the volume and the tone they use – watch for non-verbal hints.
Hear what your client tells you, and how many times and ways they tell you the same thing. Listen to what they need and frame your response on how you can help them .
This is a tip that my mentor Allen Pathmarajah shared with me – (that works really well when I use this strategy)
Count to ten before responding
It will seem like an eternity, but be smart and give the person with whom you are communicating the time to acknowledge your comment or statement.
It expand the opportunities for communication, and gives you time to hear and take notice of what they are trying to say and how they are feeling
Listening builds respect and credibility
