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?