How to be a Good Listener: My Top Tips

One of the biggest problems the human being has when it comes to conversations is not listening.  Everyone seems to do a lot of talking but are not listening to the answers or the questions.  When you listen you are showing understanding and gaining a great deal of trust from the other person.

People who effectively listen are liked by others more than those that just keep talking.  As a successful business owner, you must be able to listen to your customers, listen to their suggestions, their needs and their concerns.  You do not have to be an expert orator in order to communicate with your customers.  Here are some suggestions that help you listen better and actually hear what people are saying.  No one really wants you to tell them what you “think” they want to hear, they want you to hear what they need.

Show Concern and Interest: When you are being spoken to, give that person your full attention. If you allow distractions to get in the way, you cannot hear what they are telling you.  If you are in a loud and bustling area, suggest you both move to a quieter location to continue the conversation. Show empathy while you are listening.  If you place yourself in their situation, you will have a clearer understanding about what they are experiencing.  Ask questions that encourage them to elaborate.  Even if you have never experienced what they are going through, try a find a personal story that you feel is similar to their problem.

Use Encouraging Words: If you open the door to communication, people will share their stories and experiences with you.  People who are successful at conversations stay away from questions that can be answered with a yes or a no.  Always ask open-ended questions and then pay attention by listening.  Tell someone you are going on vacation and ask them if they have a favorite place to vacation.  Choose a topic of conversation that shows you have an interest in this other person.  The conversation will flow smoothly and can be a very informative one as well.

Use Someone's Name: Dale Carnegie, who was one of the world's greatest motivational speakers, once stated that using a  person's name is the sweetest, most important sound in any language.  Any business acquaintance or customer will be flattered if you call them by their name.  Adding to that, they will be really impressed that you remember their name!  The first time you meet someone, get their name and then use it.  “Hi Robert, it's a pleasure to meet you.”  When the conversation ends, repeat their name in your farewells.

Listen More, Talk Less: When someone is speaking to you, you must use your entire body to listen.  Make eye contact, nod, be engaged in what they are saying.  When you truly listen, you will develop trust and build a professional relationship.  When given the opportunity, ask pertinent questions in order to show you truly are interested.  If you do not understand what they are talking about, ask them to clarify for you.  Confirm what someone is saying, do not assume.

Never Interrupt or Change the Subject: Some people can't seem to resist finishing someone's sentences for them.  It's not only a bad habit, it doesn't sit well with those trying to explain something to you.  If you constantly interrupt someone's sentences you are not allowing them to express their thoughts. Even if your intentions are good, that's not the way it is going to come across from them.  They might even think you are trying to put words in their mouth, change their view point and many other negative feelings.  Practice showing patience, thoughtfulness and let them complete their conversation.

I hope you have enjoyed these tips and if you have any of your own that I haven't mentioned then I would love to hear them. Leave me a comment below.

Until Next Time xx

JD xx

#actingpure #goodlistener #toptips #effectivelistener