How to Develop Good Listening Skills
Have you ever felt as if someone has been speaking to you, but you haven't internalized anything that the person has said? If so, you've only been hearing someone speak, not listening. Hearing and listening are actually two completely different things. Listening, which allows you to learn, requires conscious effort. Hearing is simply noticing that sounds exist around you. Fortunately, there are easily obtainable skills that will help you become a better listener.
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Instructions
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Think about the difference between hearing and listening, and when you use each in everyday life. When you actually participate in a conversation, you are most likely listening to the speaker. When you are multi-tasking and someone speaks in the background, you most likely hear the speaker, but are not listening. Consider times in your life when you hear and listen to those around you.
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Create a habit of focusing the person speaking to you. Keep your mind on the discussion at hand. Do not allow yourself to become distracted, because distraction prohibits effective listening. When you feel your mind drifting, force yourself to focus on the lecture or discussion at hand.
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Practice listening to people. When you partake in a conversation with someone, pay attention to their words and body language. Make a conscious effort to retain information that the speaker shares with you. A few hours after the conversation, try to recall what the speaker said to you. If you retained the information well, you listened well. If you did not retain information, practice listening until you are able to retain information.
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Become comfortable with being silent. Listening often involves staying quiet as someone else shares information. This can be uncomfortable for someone who enjoys sharing information, so remaining quiet may be a challenge at first. However, with time, listening silently will become more comfortable and enjoyable.
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Prepare yourself to listen before attending a class or seminar that requires active listening. Eat a healthy, filling meal to avoid being distracted by hunger. Put away distractions like cell phones, books and laptops, unless these are present to help you with the class or seminar. Complete any pressing tasks before attending the meeting so you do not have to think about the tasks during the presentation.
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References
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