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Top Ten Powerful Listening Practices
1. Stop talking.
One person speaks at a time. One of the most irritating listening habits is that of interrupting.
2. Pause before speaking.
Allow the person who is speaking time to complete their thought, wait a few seconds before responding. Another variation on this is to ask “Is there anything else?” There almost always is.
3. Listen to yourself.
Be in touch with your inner voice. Ask yourself, “What wants to be said next?”
4. Listen for understanding.
You do not have to agree with what you hear, or even believe it, to listen to understand the other person.
5. Ask for clarification.
If you do not understand what someone is saying, just ask.
6. Let the speaker know that you have heard them.
Body language: nodding, facial expressions.
7. Be patient and present.
Listening well takes time and your presence.
8. Listen with an open mind.
Be curious and appreciative of what you are listening to. Listen for new ideas instead of judging and evaluating.
9. Pay attention to the environment.
Stop what you are doing to listen. Turn off background noise when possible; move to a quieter corner of the room; clear your desk.
10. Listen with empathy and compassion.
Put your agenda aside for the moment. Put yourself in their shoes.