Miscommunication can really have a very negative effect on many areas of our lives, it is capable of causing stress in our relationships, business ventures, investment decisions and family bonds to name but a few. Being able to master the skill of being an active listener is an integral part of potentially becoming an effective Wealth Creator.
Many people will believe that they are listening effectively, but are they? Are you simply hearing what the other person is saying or are you actually employing active listening techniques?
We all, whether consciously or unconsciously, are aware at some degree as to when somebody is simply hearing what we are saying or whether they are truly listening to what we say. The feelings which we experience are once again directly related to this evaluation which we make, if somebody senses that they are talking to you but not truly being heard, the effect is often negative. However if they feel you are truly listening to what it is they have to say, it is easier to gain their respect and co-operation when you reply.
The art of active listening is an easy one to learn. Basically you need to begin by listening with intent and concentrating on what it is the other person is saying. Allowing the other person to speak without interruption allowing yourself the chance to absorb in entirety what it is they are trying to say. When they have finished speaking, repeat back to them what it is you understood that they were telling you.
The main goal of active listening is to avoid miscommunication in any situation.
You see there is far more to listening than simply keeping quiet and allowing the other person to speak, take the time to hear what it is that is being said and clarify anything which you might not understand or are not sure about.
If the topic which is to be discussed is important, be sure to find a suitable quiet location in which to have the conversation so as to avoid distractions or interruptions, make sure that you will be able to give the conversation your full focus and attention.
Here are a couple of ways which might help you to become a more active listener so as to avoid the stress and complications which miscommunication might cause in your day to day relationships and decisions.
1. Always show respect to the speaker – Never try to predict what somebody is going to say even if you think you know them well enough to be able to do so. Rather give your full attention to what it is that they are saying verbally and nonverbally, watch their expressions, body language and posture so as to be able to get a clearer and more accurate idea of what it is that they are really telling you.
2. Give the conversation your full attention – Focus your full attention on what it is which you are being told without letting your mind wander as to what you are going to reply, this way you will have a far more accurate and detailed idea of what you have been told when it come your turn to reply.
3. Watch your attitude – Even if what is being said to you might not agree with what you believe to be true, keep your attitude in check and realize that you are not in an argument but rather a conversation and for this reason allow the other person to complete their side of the conversation and then reply in a calm and non aggressive tone so as to avoid things going the wrong way.
4. Avoid mental distractions – While listening to the other person always be sure to consciously avoid allowing your mind to roam as to other things which you might still need to do for the day, allow this time for them to have your full attention without any mental distractions.
5. Don’t allow personal opinion to change what you are being told – Don’t allow your personal opinions or preferences influence how you interpret what it is that you are being told, rather listen to the conversation in its entirety with a non bias stand point so as to be able to fully understand what is being said before you draw your conclusions at the end of the conversation.
6. Clarify uncertainties - If you do not understand or unsure as to what it is the other person is trying to say, be sure to ask questions so as to avoid miscommunication or misinterpretations during the conversation, wait until the speaker pauses for the opportunity to pose these questions to them.
7. Avoid jumping to conclusions – Always try to avoid jumping to conclusions as this is one of the main fuels for miscommunication. Rather find out the facts or ask questions so as to be able to get to the core and truth of it all.
8. Be aware of your nonverbal communication – People pick up on nonverbal communication whether it is consciously or subconsciously, so be sure to maintain eye contact, use acknowledgements such as nodding and don’t be afraid to show subtle physical gestures such as touching their shoulder when it might be appropriate. Gestures such as these reassure the other person that you are actually listening to them.
9. Last but not least, repeat your understanding of the conversation back to the other person – By doing this you will be showing them that you have fully taken in what it was that they were telling you and giving them the opportunity to correct you if you might have misunderstood any part of the conversation.
By following these simple techniques, you will be able to greatly improve your listening skills and those communicating with you will know that you understand them completely and that there is no room for miscommunication. You will soon realize the positive effects of being an active listener and how this skill is able to reduce stress and complications in both your home and business life.