Very few people are experts in the art of listening.  Most of us are usually absorbed in our own world, and are not accustomed to paying full attention to what is being said.  This leads to the common complaint, "You never listen to me." 

 

Being a good listener puts you at an advantage in every place and situation, whether it be the classroom, a meeting, daily interactions with people or relationships with family and friends.   If you would like to be a good listener, I have some hints for you.

 

Make sure to make eye contact with the person speaking to you.  Give full attention to what is being said.  To make sure you have understood what was said, repeat what was said to you and ask if you have understood it properly. 

 

Do not interrupt when someone is speaking.  Allow the other person to finish what he is saying.  If there are questions, ask once he has stopped talking.

 

Although this is the age of multitasking, be fully involved in listening to others.  Turn off the TV and the iPod.

Pay attention to body language.  People often communicate more through body language than words.

Do not be embarrassed to say, "Pardon me, I didn't understand what you just said."  Many people feel silly doing this, and pretend to have understood even though they really have not.

In spite of listening carefully, there will be times when you will not understand an unfamiliar name.  In that case, feel free to ask the speaker to spell it for you.

Yours,

Didi Ji