Listen to This

Listening is one of the most important skills you can have. How well you listen has a major impact on your job effectiveness, and on the quality of your relationships with others. Becoming an Active Listener There are five key active listening techniques you can use to help you become a more effective listener: 1. Pay Attention Give the speaker your undivided attention and acknowledge the message. Recognize that non-verbal communication also "speaks" loudly.

2. Show That You're Listening Use your own body language and gestures to show that you are engaged.

3. Provide Feedback Our personal filters, assumptions, judgments and beliefs can distort what we hear. As a listener your role is to understand what is being said. This may require you to reflect on what is being said and to ask questions.

4. Defer Judgment Interrupting is a waste of time. It frustrates the speaker and limits full understanding of the message.

5. Respond Appropriately Active listening is designed to encourage respect and understanding. You are gaining information and perspective. You add nothing by attacking the speaker or otherwise putting her down.

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