The previous post was dedicated to the speech as skills of communication.
https://steemit.com/psyhology/@darya-zaytseva/if-you-are-shy-3-secrets-how-to-communicate-with-people
And in comments @stellabelle said about listening practice - the other side of these skills. It is also a very important part of our life and relationships with other people.
We are not only biological, but also social creatures. With the help of speech we share information with each other. But strikingly, this information accepted by each person through his own prism of world perception. That is why correct understanding is not always depend on speaker.
Some people absolutely can't listen to others. They just wait for a pause in order to start speaking themselves. So, if you want to be a good company, it is important not only to speak great, but also to listen actively.
Which factors could prevent you from active listening?
- Tiredness
- Lack of interest to the topic discussed
- Load of your own thoughts
- Wish to speak only about yourself, lack of listening skill
- Judging only by your own opinion. There are people, who live by law "There are two opinions - mine and wrong". It is difficult for them to agree with other's point of view.
Good news, active listening can be trained! Here are the tip how to do it:
1. If you are ill or tired, tell the truth to the interlocutor, because in case you continue, he/she will understand, that you don't listen to him/her and offence is secured.
2. Take away irritants: smartphones, computer and concentrate on the speaker.
3. Try to look at the speaker, sometimes into the eyes or if you feel discomfort between the brows.
4. Listen to the end, even if you know, about what the speaker says, don't interrupt.
5. Pay attention not only to words, but to emotions of speaker.
6. Ask questions or say smth like Aha, mg, and so on from time to time, it will show that you are interested. You may listen very attentively, but if won't show it, nobody will understand. It will be difficult at the beginning , but then you will become a perfect listener!