Hearing or Listening?
The “Pickles” cartoon today said Earl didn’t need a hearing aid, he needed a listening aid. This resonates with me as this is an issue I deal with all the time. Really listening to what other people say instead of just preparing what you are going to say next is a skill that needs to be constantly tuned for me. The easiest way I have found is to practice “active listening” where I position myself that I may have to tell someone else what that person had to say. I let the person know I am “present” by making eye contact and giving non-verbal cues of paying attention. I occasionally paraphrase for clarification. Mainly I practice letting the person finish their whole thought before adding my own ideas on the subject.
What are your ideas on “listening” cues?
Hearing vs. listening,
I find that I focus better on the person speaking when my hands are empty – unless, of course, I am supposed to be taking notes! Put down the cell phone, turn away from the TV, turn down the volume on the radio, and eliminate outside interruptions that would detract your attention from the person you are talking to. It will take less time if you get the message effectively to begin with rather than have to go back and ask questions later, or make an unecessary mistake!