Introduction:
This short class about listening skills, will be nothing more than a reminder for some, it may be a new concept to others, and then there may be one who will believe this is a total waste of time.
In this session you will be provided with information as to;
What is needed to develop good listening skills?
How you will develop good listening skills?
How to understand what is being told to you.
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I can explain the key to being a good listener in one word, “Time”!
If you don’t have the time, or if you will not take the time, you will never be a good listener.
When confronted with the question, “do you have a minute”, you should understand this person has just came to you and wants your, “undivided attention for a period of time”. Do you have a minute almost always means more than a minute.
Determine whether this is an emergency situation, or if there is a safety concern. If not, and if you do not have the time, explain that you can’t meet now, can we set and appointment to meet…
Always keep your appointment.
The next thing in learning to be a good listener is to, “shut up”.
Let the other person talk, keep your mouth closed except to ask for clarification!
Remember, you are listening to another person provide you with information!
Do not interrupt or attempt to interject your thoughts or opinions, unless the other person asks.
How do you develop good listening skills, “Practice”!
As with any skill, practice helps you develop that skill. A good place to practice is when you are with family or friends. Some may find it more difficult to listen to family or friends without interjecting their thoughts. It is likely, if you have not been a good listener with family members in the past, when you practice listening, your family will notice that you have changed.
Family will be likely to comment, something to the effect, “What’s going on, you are quieter than usual”, which will be your way of knowing that your listening skills are improving.
How to understand what is being told to you. No distractions.
Make appropriate eye contact with the person, but do not stare.
Do not look at your phone or other device! If you are the person who looked at the phone or other device, you are not listening.
Listening without understanding, is useless. Concentrating on what is being said, is the key to listening and understanding.
Brief questions to help you understand, are acceptable interruptions. Do not present your thoughts unless asked. It is a good practice to ask for time to consider what you have just heard before responding.
Making notes while someone is talking may help you remember what is said, but you should ask if it is ok and not a distraction to the other person.
Summary: Take the time to listen, shut up, practice and no distractions.
Questions or Discussion?
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