How to Listen

Communication is essential to success in all we do. We learn to listen when we're young and then develop better listening skills as we mature and the need arises. We think of communicating as talking or sending an email, but listening is the most important part of communication. Knowing how to listen is vital to any relationship and plays a big part in your success in the classroom and at work.

Instructions

1. Review the material and readings and go over notes from the previous session. Listening is a cognitive activity. Anticipate the topics of the lecture. Decide what you expect to gain from it.

2. Focus on the strategies to improve listening skills. Tune into the speaker. Develop non-verbal communication skills like nodding or smiling. These gestures make you part of the exchange when you listen.

3. Face the speaker. Maintain eye contact. Shift your eyes to any materials the speaker offers, and then shift them back to the speaker when the materials are no longer a point of discussion.

4. Practice "active listening." Follow the presentation and anticipate what comes next. Hold questions until the speaker has finished.

5. Ask for clarification or explanation when confused. Some people think aloud to verbalize ideas. In any presentation, learn to sort what the speaker is saying. Note main points; everything isn't worthy of note taking.

6. Make a conscious decision to find the material interesting and important. Drifting off while listening, change position and take a few deep breaths. Sit up straight. Good posture is important to effective listening.

Tips & Warnings

• Enhance your listening skills with "compressed speech" speed-control playback. Listen to audio recordings at 175 to 200 words per minute, as opposed to 125 (normal rate of speech). Give your listening skills a workout, increase retention and save time.

Resources

• Tips on more effective listening