Most people don’t really listen to others. They may appear to be listening but really they are thinking about what they are going to say next.

People think it helps to share their experience and opinion. But consider the impact on the person talking?

Want to try something?

The next time someone starts talking, make sure that you really listen. And do this for 2 minutes.
During this time you can do non verbal things like nods, and making encouraging noises but you can’t

  • ask questions
  • share your opinion
  • tell them about how something similar happened to you

It can be interesting for the listener too, and you may find it a bit of a struggle. Don’t worry if you didn’t manage two minutes, it is something you can work up too.
If you want to read more on listening skills you can read previous blog posts here
https://www.amazingpeople.co.uk/be-an-active-listener-part-1/
https://www.amazingpeople.co.uk/be-an-active-listener-part-2/
So how did you get on? I’d love to hear from you, do leave a comment below.

Image courtesy of Ambro at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Published On: September 30th, 2012 / Categories: Career Management /

2 Comments

  1. Greg October 3, 2012 at 10:41 am

    Gerat exercise Denise. My friend Richard Wilins wrote a quote that I love:
    Do you listen or do you wait to speak!
    Really powerful.
    Keep shining
    Greg

  2. Denise Taylor October 3, 2012 at 11:40 am

    Thanks for commenting Greg, and that is such a great quote
    You keep shining too!
    Denise

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