How to Listen for Maximum Impact: The Power of Powerful Listening

Introduction

Have you ever been in a situation where you wished the person you were talking to would just stop talking so you could get a word in edgewise?

If so, you were probably experiencing what is known as poor listening. On the other hand, POWERFUL LISTENING is a skill that can help you build better relationships, close more sales and resolve conflicts more effectively.

In this Newsletter, I'll share how you can use powerful listening to your advantage.

The Benefits of Powerful Listening

When you're in a conversation, are you really LISTENING? Or are you just waiting for your turn to talk?

Most people think that they're good listeners, but the truth is that most of us are terrible at it. We're so busy formulating our next response that we don't actually hear what the other person is saying.

On the other hand, powerful listeners are able to actively listen to what the other person is saying and understand their point of view. As a result, they're able to build better relationships, resolve conflicts more easily and even sell more products and services.

So how can you become a more powerful listener? Here are a few tips:

• Pay attention to nonverbal cues.
• Avoid interrupting.
• Repeat back what the other person has said.
• Ask questions.
• Give the other person time to respond.

The Three Types of Listeners

There are three types of Listeners:

The first type is the Reflective Listener. They are the quiet ones who take in what you're saying and think about it before responding. They want to make sure they understand your point before they offer an opinion.

The second type is the Responsive Listener. They are the action-oriented listeners who are all about taking immediate action. If they hear something that they can help with, they want to do it right then and there.

The third type is the Probing Listener. They are the challenging listeners who want to know more. They'll ask follow-up questions to get to the heart of the issue.

The One Thing You Need to Listen with POWER

There's one thing you need to do if you want to listen with power: F.O.C.U.S.. When you're focused, you're able to block out any distractions and give the speaker your full attention. This allows you to not only understand what they're saying, but also to pick up on the underlying emotions and messages.

Being present is one of the most important aspects of powerful listening. It shows the speaker that you respect them and that you're interested in what they have to say. It also helps you get the most out of the conversation.

If you want to be a better listener, start by focusing on the speaker and tuning out everything else. It may be difficult at first, but with practice, you'll be able to do it without even thinking about it.

HOT TIP:

People speak of EYE CONTACT. This time, play the smart game, and try EAR CONTACT instead. To use EAR CONTACT, you lean towards your counterpart, and point your master ear towards them.

1. It is MUCH less confrontational than eye contact (so you do not scare timid prospects)
2. It rests your eyes!
3. It helps YOU if you are actually an introvert! (Secret: I am an introvert! And sometimes eye contact 1-on-1 scares ME. So I use EAR CONTACT to deal with this!)
4. It helps you hear MUCH BETTER, especially in crowded or noisy areas.

How to Power Listen in Three Steps

When it comes to Power Listening, there are three simple steps to follow:

1. Pay attention. When you're focused on the conversation and not letting your mind wander, you're able to take in all of the information that's being shared. This means you can respond more effectively and show that you're truly listening to what's being said.
2. Respond mindfully. Once you've taken in all of the information, it's important to respond in a way that shows you've heard and understood what's been said. This could be through repeating back what was said, asking clarifying questions, or simply nodding along.
3. Take action. The final step is taking whatever action is necessary as a result of the conversation. This could mean making a note of something, following up with the other person, or taking some other form of action.

Powerful Listening in Sales: the Impact

When it comes to sales, powerful listening is key. It's not just about hearing what the other person is saying, it's about really understanding their point of view and empathizing with them.

When you can do this, you create a connection and build a bridge of TRUST. This is essential for successful sales, as it allows you to build a relationship based on understanding and mutual respect.

Powerful listening can also help you to better understand the needs of your customer, and gives you the opportunity to provide them with the best possible solution. So next time you're in a sales meeting, make sure to use all of your powers of powerful listening!

Practicing Powerful Listening

One of the most important things to remember when it comes to powerful listening is that it takes PRACTICE. Just like anything else, the more you do it, the better you'll get at it.

There are a few things you can do to help you practice powerful listening. First, make a point of actually listening to the other person. Don't just wait for your turn to speak. Pay attention to their body language and what they're saying, and make sure you're understanding them correctly.

Another thing you can do is ask questions. Not only does this show that you're paying attention, but it also helps you understand the other person better and get more out of the conversation.

Last but not least, be patient. Don't expect to become a master of powerful listening overnight. It takes time and practice, but eventually you'll see the results in your interactions with others.

Conclusion

When it comes to communication, listening is key. And when it comes to effective listening, POWERFULlistening is even more important. By using the techniques of powerful listening, you can make sure that you are taking in all the information that is being communicated to you, and that you are able to respond in a way that makes the most impact.

PRO TIP:

PRACTICE this skill every day, for 2 weeks: I assure you that you will feel a MARKED IMPROVEMENT in your client relationships and sales ability (and also how you can deal with your bosses!)

Give it a shot: what do you have to lose?

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