June 2024: Ten Tips to Better Listening
Use these ten tips to improve your listening skills:
Take time to talk or schedule time to talk.
Speak in a quiet place with minimal distractions, when possible.
Make eye contact with the speaker.
Give responses to show that you're listening, like nodding or saying "uh-huh."
Ask questions, but don't interrupt.
Be patient with the speaker.
Don't judge what the speaker is saying. Keep an open mind.
Check for word emphasis, sound level of speech, or speed of speech to tell you how the speaker is feeling.
Repeat back what you heard. Ask the speaker if you missed anything.
Ask the speaker about his or her feelings. Give the best guidance you can.
Keep in mind that if the person talking to you is upset, you may want to avoid asking questions. This may make him more upset, so it may be best just to console the speaker.