ARE YOU EASILY DISTRACTED? There is support here. If listening is one of the best gifts we can give each other, then, why not get better at it? In fact, be great. It makes us feel heard, appreciated and valued. It encourages us that what we have to say is worthwhile. But this is no ordinary listening. The type of listening that rallies for one's consummate attention is active (empathic) listening. Are you aware of its magnificent impact? I will share (4) tips you can practice to upgrade and sharpen your active listening skills and apply right away and renovate your purpose-driven life.
Active (empathic) listening is being fully, completely present and engaging to hear and comprehend the meaning of what someone else is saying before you reply or respond to them. You can garner and wield influence once you have mastered or refined the valuable skill-set of active listening. It can make you a winner because when others feel heard, it makes them feel satisfied.
They develop trust in you. Relationships blossom naturally when trust is established. It's a fast connector. And you probably don't realize this: it grows your patience and keeps you alert too. So, how can you open the doorway to this valuable network of human relationship skills? Door openers and minimal encouragers.
Door openers and minimal encouragers are your two buddies in the circle of influence. Treat them as such. To encourage the speaker to share more with you, use them. Here are a few of each you can learn and practice in your upcoming conversations:
Door Openers
1) Tell me more.
2) Go ahead, I'm listening.
3) That sounds interesting!
4) You seem (sad, upset, happy, like something is bothering you). How are you feeling?
5) How about that.
6) This seems like something important to you.
7) Would you like to talk about it?
Avoid giving advice. Listen.
Minimal Encouragers
1) Is that so!
2) Right
3) Mm...hmmm
4) Oh
5) I see
6) Sure
7) Really
Try not to overuse.
Next, allow people to finish their sentences. I know, we sometimes get excited to share. But don't interrupt. And don't jump to conclusions. Don't assume you know what they are going to say. These actions must be avoided because they indicate to the speaker that you aren't really listening. You don't want to send the wrong signal. Pump your brakes. On that same token, do not prepare your reply while the other person is speaking. Good grief. The last thing they say may transform the meaning of what was previously shared. Undoubtedly.
In addition to this, shut down internal dialogue while listening. Relatable? Mm...hmmm. Avoid missing out on key points that may be insightful and have the potential to transform your decision and response when it's your turn to speak. Bring your chatter to a halt. Land it smoothly.
Above all, express empathy. Identify the feelings expressed and communicate them back to the speaker in the form of empathy statements:
"I can understand how that circumstance could cause frustration."
It sounds like ......
It seems like ......
What I'm hearing is .....
Reflect their feelings.
In short, effective communication is effective listening. Facts. When we learn to be super intentional about listening, we gather information that better inform what we have to share and in turn add value to the listener. Door openers/minimal encouragers, empathy statements, avoid finishing the speaker's sentences, shutting down your internal dialogue are four skills you can apply today to enhance and add to your active listening skill-set with noticeable impact.
Develop trust. Build relationships. Connect faster. Maintain eye contact. It makes the other person feels special. And puts them at the center of your world in that moment. That's right!
There is much more to active (empathic) listening. If you would like to be super intentional at mastering this skill-set and be more effective in your personal and professional relationships, get my support. You can get better at it by making active listening a priority in your life. When you intentionally use these skills, pay attention to how you are being.
Who do you want to be?
What adjustments can be made?
Become an active (empathic) listener and transform your relationships.
I support you.
My wish for you is to flourish in life using these skills for everyday living.
Thank you so much for stopping by. Please leave a comment so others may be inspired by your insight.
Thank you for the pleasure of your time.
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