Three Ways to Improve Your Listening Skills
Photo by Sandy Millar on Unsplash
How you come across often has nothing to do with what you’re saying or how you’re speaking. A big part of your presence is how you pay attention and listen. When leading training sessions with super smart consultants, I've observed them getting so excited about solving their client's problems, that they skip the important step of actually listening to their client's needs.
We all get caught up in our own heads, thinking about what to say next. But there are ways to develop your listening skills that can result in a deeper connection with whomever you're addressing. So the next time you find yourself wondering why what you are saying isn’t hitting home, try these three tactics to hone your listening skills.
Use pauses when speaking . Take a deep breath. Your job as a listener is to receive information openly and accurately. To receive correct information your senses need to be attuned to the other person. Don’t worry about what you’ll say when the time comes. Silence is a powerful communication tool.
Stop multitasking when you listen. It can be tempting to check your email in the middle of a meeting or text your partner about dinner that evening. Try and resist the temptation and give your full attention to the person you’re communicating with. This will ultimately save you time having to rehash any misunderstandings later on.
Consider the balance of talk time. Are you doing the majority of the talking? If so, challenge yourself to ask questions and listen to learn more about whomever you're addressing. You'll build relationship and discover gems that will allow you to more accurately address their needs, concerns or problems.
Remember, a big part of being an effective communicator is paying attention to the person or people you’re communicating with. Take the time to develop skills not just to organize your thoughts and sharpen your delivery, but to truly listen. If you’d like to learn more about how to authentically connect, book a 20 minute discovery call with me.