The Art of Listening: 8 Ways to Be a Better Listener & Improve Your Relationships by Sheri B Doyle

Relationships Parenting
6 years ago

The Art of Listening: 8 Ways to Be a Better Listener & Improve Your Relationships

Recently, there has been a lot of talk in my family about the importance of good communication skills. After reading this post from Bri Montoya, I have not been able to stop thinking about my communication skills and how important they are. 

The biggest skill in good communication is listening and most of us are not necessarily good listeners. In fact, most of us listen only to respond. We listen with only 25 percent efficiency. In fact, most of us listen with the intention of responding, almost completely missing what is being said to us. Be a better listener with these tips:

  • Remain silent until the speaker is finished.
  • Ask questions to make sure you understand what was said.
  • Do not interrupt.
  • Pay attention, use eye contact.
  • Don’t try to force solutions.
  • Do not listen to find right or wrong, listen to understand where the other person is coming from.
  • Do not be defensive or afraid to be uncomfortable.
  • Be present. Do not let your mind, attention or eyes wander.

Being a good listener will not only be fulfilling to you as you learn more and find your relationships improving, but it will make those who are speaking to you feel validated and important.

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Donna John
Best. Tip. Ever. Cannot wait to share this with ... well, won't call them out but they'll know who they are. :-) Thanks for the great tip, Sheri B Doyle . Think a lot of people need to work on their listening skills, and your advice is dead on. Bri Montoya
Tiffany Zook
When it comes to listening, I'm actually "waiting to talk". These tips are great, I always need improvement in this area.
Elisa Schmitz
Excellent tips! I know many people who need to read this, thank you! Sheri B Doyle
Kristan Wager
I am a "chronic fixer" - definitely need to listen more. Thank you for the great tip Sheri B Doyle
Michael Kennedy
Excellent advice, especially now as people are so disconnected because of electronic interaction and are starting to lose the 101's of having a conversation. Thanks!
lina356
Having my broken relationship back has brought great joy in my life, this is one thing that I have always wished for in my Life and I got it so easily through The help of PRIEST ADU . website i read about () or reach him through ( solution.temple@mail )

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