The Art of Listening
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Some people are just good listeners. They seem to be able to understand your every word (or at least you feel that they do) and they respond with the right words as well. However most of us have never given listening a proper thought. How do you actually listen well?
Here are the 4 steps:
- Repeat what the person said.
- Paraphrase what was being said.
- Ask yourself what does that mean.
- Respond with point 3 in mind.
Example: David says, “I’m hungry” in the early morning at work….
- David said that he is hungry.
- David did not eat enough in the morning.
- David could have rushed in the morning, he might have been busy yesterday night.
- Response: “Do you need any help with work?”
On paper, hunger and help with work doesn’t seem to match. But in real conversations, the result is that the person would feel that you’re a good companion and wonderful listening ear.
So try it out. It may be slow trying these 4 steps in the beginning, but once you get the hang of it, your listening skills would automate smoothly.
August 24th, 2008 - Posted in Character, Management, Mindset, Presentation | |
