Being a good speaker is easy, but being a good listener is a lot harder. If you're trying to work on your listening skills, The Wall Street Journal outlines a few simple tips to help you tune in.


The process here is actually pretty simple:

  1. Take notes to stay focused while listening (obviously this one doesnn't work in everyday conversation).
  2. Paraphrase what you think the speaker said and ask if you're on target.
  4. Notice the speaker's body language and facial expressions as potential sources ofmeaning.
  5. Use pauses to reflect or draw out more information.

With that, you should be on your way to being a better listener. While you're at it, make sure you put that phone down during the conversation, clear you mind of any distractions, and pay attention to what the other person's saying.

Tuning In: Improving Your Listening Skills | The Wall Street Journal


Photo by Jonathan Powell.