Listening is a skill which is very important in our life whether you are helping someone with their problems or dealing with professionals. You have to be a good active listener. When a person is listening actively it gives a good image to the person you are talking with. Active listening is very important to avoid misunderstanding and for better understanding. Below are a few tips to make a conversation effective and to become an active listener.
Facing the speaker and having eye contact
We all are so aware that eye contact is a very important part of face conversation. Eye contact shows that you are paying attention to the speaker, but too much eye contact can be intimidating. Avoid looking at the speaker for more than 5 seconds at a time. If you start looking away then it might seem like you want to close the conversation. Try to pay attention to your body posture, avoid crossing your arms and legs, don’t tilt your head or rest your head on your hand. It seems very inattentive and looks like you are not interested.
Pay attention to the Non-verbal clues
To make sure you’re active, you should also pay attention to the nonverbal clues and body language of the person. The tone of the voice, facial expressions, and gestures express a lot more than words. Try to focus on the body language of the person and whatever he is trying to say with nonverbal communication.
Never Interrupt in between
If you ever interrupt in between it becomes frustrating for the other person. It shows that you think that you are more important. And your impression becomes bad in front of the other person. Some people are naturally quick thinkers or speakers but at the time you have to try not to interrupt in between so that the other person can complete his conversation. Always remember that a pause for a few seconds doesn’t mean that you have to speak and jump in between. Try to be patient and let the speaker complete. It will give a good impression on the speaker and it will be easy for you to understand whatever he is trying to convey.
Don't start assuming what is going to be said next
If you start reacting to what is being said then it will be very difficult for you to understand whatever the speaker is trying to convey. You will start thinking about what is going to happen next. Try to focus on listening and don’t assume that you know what is going to happen next. Never start planning What to say next. You can’t listen and plan at the same time. By doing this you will not be listening actively and your mind will be running in another direction.
Showing that you're active
You have to show the speaker that you are listening actively. You can nod your head, you can smile or you can make small noises like “yes”, ” Ummmm”, etc. It shows that you are listening and encouraging the speaker to continue. Never look at your watch and avoid playing with your hair or fingernails.
Try not to impose your opinions
Sometimes listening is supportive and more rewarding than telling someone what they should do. When someone is trying to share problems with you, you should probably listen to how they are feeling and get things off their chest, rather than giving your advice on what to do or what they are doing. Most people prefer to come to their solutions. If you want to share your solution, you can ask first if they want to hear it or not.
Stay focused
Some people find it difficult to focus on what someone is saying. You can try to repeat the word in your head as this will help you to reinforce what they are saying and it will help you to concentrate. You have to shut your distractions, like if there is any other conversation going in the room try to avoid listening to that and also make sure that you don’t look at your phone.
Asking questions and summarizing
If you start asking relevant questions that can show that you have been listening. If you are not sure whether you have understood or not you can wait until the speaker pauses and then ask what you are saying. At the time of summarising if you start repeating what was said it will show that you are paying attention and also allows the speaker to correct if you haven’t understood.
By: Varsha Yadav
Also Read: Reasons Why You Should Be A Good Listener
