Have you ever felt like someone wasn’t truly hearing your words or, perhaps, caught yourself mentally wandering during a conversation?
In our fast-paced world, filled with constant information bombardment, the skill of active listening often goes overlooked. However, at the International Coaching & Leadership Institute Rising (ICLI RISING), as ICF-accredited coaches, we recognize the pivotal role that effective communication, especially listening, plays in strengthening interpersonal bonds.
Here are 6 tips to help you train your listening skills!
Put Away Distractions
The first step toward becoming a better listener is to eliminate distractions. When someone speaks to you, it’s essential to grant them your full attention. Trust us, your phone will survive a few minutes without you! The undivided attention will also demonstrate your respect and enhance your capacity to absorb the information.
Focus on the Speaker
Maintain eye contact, nod in agreement, and use verbal cues like “go on,” “uh-huh,” or “really?” to demonstrate your active engagement. Creating an atmosphere of trust and respect encourages the speaker to share more openly.
Ask Questions
Instead of posing yes-or-no queries, inquire in a way that encourages the speaker to elaborate. For instance, ask, “What did you do over the weekend?” rather than, “Did you have a good weekend?” This fosters deeper conversations and underscores your attentiveness.
Avoid Interrupting
Interrupting can be frustrating and disrespectful. Let the speaker finish their thought first, unless it’s a matter of life or death – like when the coffee machine runs out of coffee! If you must interject, pause, apologize, and invite them to continue.
Practice Empathy
Put yourself in the speaker’s shoes and ask, “How would I feel in this situation?” Express empathy with phrases like “I can imagine that must have been difficult” or “I understand why you feel that way.” Showing that you care is especially important when someone shares something personal.
Summarize What You’ve Heard
Conclude the conversation by summarizing what you’ve heard in your own words. Summarizing shows you’ve been paying attention and avoids those ‘Wait, what did you say?’ moments later. Plus, it’s your chance to prove that you’re the best narrator in town! It’s also a great way to clarify any potential misunderstandings.
In our coaching practice, we also emphasize the importance of observing emotions, beliefs, and backgrounds during conversations, as guided by the ICF Core Competencies. Incorporate these elements into your active listening for even more impactful communication.
Enhancing your listening skills takes time and practice, but it can lead to stronger relationships and deeper understanding. So, as you venture into the world of better listening, remember, it’s not just about becoming a better communicator, it’s also about avoiding those awkward ‘Did I miss something?’ situations.
Read the full newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/iclirising/do-you-hear-that-9396746