Do’s and Don’ts of A Good Listener

Listening is an essential skill in business and life. We could all improve our relationships by improving our listening skills. Below is a list of do’s and don’ts to help you brush up on your listening skills.

Do –

·     Maintain eye contact

·     Limit your talking

·     Focus on the speaker

·     Ask questions

·     Manage your emotions

·     Listen with your eyes and ears

·     Listen for ideas and opportunities

·     Remain open to the conversation

·     Confirm understanding, paraphrase

·     Give nonverbal messages that you are listening (nod, smiles)

·     Ignore distractions

Don’t –

·     Interrupt

·     Show signs of impatience

·     Judge or argue mentally

·     Multitask during a conversation

·     Project your ideas

·     Think about what to say next

·     Have expectations or preconceived ideas

·     Become defensive or assume you are being attacked

·     Use condescending, aggressive, or closed body language

·     Listen with biases or closed to new ideas

·     Jump to conclusions or finish someone’s sentences