How To Use Active Listening Skills-The Art Of Effective Listening
Have you ever spoken to a spouse, date, doctor or salesman and noticed that they looked away, read or couldn't recall what you are talking about or worse misunderstood everything you talked about?
I'm sure when this happens you know that there is little use in going further and if not now in the future.
The fact that you were ignored shut you down and most likely insulted you. This feeling alone should remind you to never do this to others. It is important to stay focused when others are speaking to you especially when you are in a professional capacity.
While working in a professional capacity it is important not to treat your clients or student like a number or time slot to be checked. You can cause adverse affects such as:
- bad survey
- lost sale
- lost client
- bad reputation
- miscommunication
Active listening is a skill that is rarely used during meeting and nonofficial conversation in business. It is important to be understood in business, social events and home life if you want to be free of misunderstandings.
You can miss important information just by not knowing how to clearly listen and convey what you heard. This probably has happen to you several times already. No worries you will learn how to avoid or minimize misunderstanding again by practicing these simple steps.
How many times have you set up a date or meeting and assumed the other person was to bring something important. If it was not addressed it could cause stress! It's like planing a picnic and you both show up without the food or blanket!
What Is Active Listening?
Active Listening is when you hear what a speaker is saying and effectively confirm what you understood what was said.
Active Listening is one of the most important communication skills a person needs to become an effective problem solving leader.
Active listening takes time to analyze and interpret what was said while showing interest and helping person expand on their point for further clarification.
- Focus on what is being said.
- Restate what you have heard.
- Ask clarifying question for more clarity and information.
Take the time to use clear word choices that do not need facial expressions to be understood. Avoid using slang that can distort your message. For example: Just have this work done whenever, but turn it in before the next meeting.
That statement is not clear and has left plenty of room for error. Instructions must be given with a cut off time and clear message free of weak language if meant to be taking seriously.
The Art Of Effective Listening
If you want to listen more effectively you can practice when talking with your family and friends or to avoid conflicts in a marriage or relationship. You simply just repeat what it is you heard with no judgement and ask them if you understood correctly.
Clear Articulation
This is very important if you have made several errors because of missing important points in a conversation. Listen, evaluate and repeat what you have heard and soon you will be working more effectively while avoiding mishaps.
You don't have to rely on the other person to make themselves clear, take the initiative and repeat or rephrase what you have heard.
You can even ask clarifying questions for further clarity such as: " Is this the same as saying xyz?" This will give your speaker confidence that what you are hearing is very important to you.
Using the art of effective listening to communicate effectively will help you be seen as professional, honest and capable in and outside of the workplace. If this is the missing part of the puzzle for you congratulations you are on your way to communicating more effectively.
Don't be afraid to ask the person you are conversing with to repeat themselves if you truly are lost in understanding. You will establishing trust and respect for your listening efforts.
