Good Listener

"Listen with curiosity. Speak with honesty. Act with integrity."

― Roy T. Bennett

April 5, 2023

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Lisa Ulshafer

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Being a good listener is an essential skill that can positively impact all areas of life. Good listeners are attentive, empathetic, and patient. They not only hear what is being said but also make an effort to understand the speaker's perspective. By listening actively and without judgment, good listeners build stronger relationships and are better equipped to handle difficult situations.

Here are just some of the benefits you experience when you are good listener: 

• Improved relationships: You shows others that you care about them and value their thoughts and feelings. This can improve your relationships and make others more likely to trust and confide in you.

• Better communication: You are better able to understand their perspective and communicate effectively with them. This can help prevent misunderstandings and improve overall communication.

• Learning opportunities: Listening to others can provide valuable learning opportunities. You may gain new insights or perspectives that you hadn't considered before.

• Increased empathy: You can develop a better understanding of others' emotions and experiences. This can increase your empathy and help you better relate to others.

• Conflict resolution: Good listening skills are essential for resolving conflicts. By listening to all parties involved, you can gain a better understanding of the issues at hand and work towards a mutually agreeable solution.

Here are 8 strategies to become a better listener:

1. Focus on the speaker: Make a conscious effort to give your undivided attention to the speaker, even if the topic does not interest you. Look at the speaker, maintain eye contact, and avoid distractions such as phones or other devices.

2. Avoid interrupting: Interrupting the speaker can be frustrating and can hinder effective communication. Let the speaker finish their thoughts and then ask clarifying questions or give your feedback.

3. Ask questions: Ask questions to show the speaker that you are engaged in the conversation and interested in what they have to say. Clarifying questions can also help you understand the speaker's point of view better.

4. Show empathy: Try to understand the speaker's perspective and show empathy by acknowledging their feelings. This can help create a comfortable and supportive environment for communication.

5. Practice active listening: Active listening involves focusing on the speaker's words, tone, and body language. Repeat key points the speaker has made to ensure you have understood them correctly and show you are actively engaged in the conversation.

6. Avoid distractions: Try to eliminate any distractions that may hinder your ability to listen effectively. This could be as simple as turning off the TV or stepping away from a noisy environment.

7. Be patient: Some people may take longer to express their thoughts or may have difficulty articulating their ideas. Be patient and allow the speaker to take their time to express themselves fully.

8. Practice regularly: Becoming a good listener takes practice. Try to actively listen in all your conversations, even when they are not important, to develop your listening skills.

Becoming a better listener is an essential skill that can improve your relationships, personal growth, and overall well-being. It allows you to understand others' perspectives, build trust, and strengthen your communication skills. By developing the habit of active listening and applying the strategies mentioned above, you can enhance your ability to pay attention, show empathy, and respond appropriately in different situations.