10 Ways to Be an Effective Listener

Have you ever spoken to someone and then felt the need to say, “Did you hear what I just said?” Why did you feel the need to ask? Probably because the listener didn’t provide you with the feedback you needed to know you were heard.


Here are 10 ways to be an effective listener:

1. Recognize the difference between hearing and listening There is a very distinct difference between hearing and listening. Hearing is to merely perceive sound. Listening is the mindful, conscious act and desire to hear, comprehend, and response to others.

2. Be willing to listen Begin with a commitment to listen - be open minded and consider other points of view. Listen regardless of whether you agree or disagree with what's said. Resist the urge jump to conclusions; be defensive or argumentative with the speaker.

3. Be attentive Stop what you're doing and give the speaker your undivided attention. If it's not a good time for you, defer the conversation. Ignore the desire to multi-task and selectively listen (only listening to bits and pieces of information). Remain in the moment for the duration of the conversation - don't tune in and out or pretend to be listening when you're really thinking about where to go on your next vacation.

4. Show respect Acknowledge others with your body language - face the speaker, look interested, and make eye contact. Avoid ending the conversation abruptly.

5. Empathize Be sensitive, compassionate, and understanding - realize it may be difficult for the speaker to talk about this matter. Empathy doesn't mean you have to agree with the speaker. Avoid thinking about how to "one up" the speaker with your own tale of woe.

6. Be patient We often interrupt because we are afraid we will forget our point(s). Don't interrupt - allow the speaker to finish what she/he has to say. Don't finish the speaker's sentences because you think they're taking too long to get to the point. Focus on what is being said instead of what you think is going to be said.

7. Eliminate interruptions and distractions When possible, speak in a neutral location to avoid interruptions and distractions. Be aware of and avoid interruptions - phones or pagers (use voice mail), visitors (close the door) and distractions (voice mail light, overflowing in box, incoming mail).

8. Seek Understanding Focus on main points. Paraphrase and seek clarification of points that are unclear or that you don't understand.

9. Show you're actively listening Listen with more than just your ears. Acknowledge and respond to the speaker with facial expressions (smile, nod/shake your head, eye contact) and verbal comments ("I see," "I understand," "okay," "yes") to aid the conversation.



About the author

Joy Fisher-Sykes is a professional speaker published in the areas of communication, time management, and teamwork. She works with business and government organizations who want to reach the next level of success and individuals who want to perform at their best. You can email her at jfsykes@thesykesgrp.com, call him at (757) 427-7032 or visit her Web site at www.thesykesgrp.com.

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