Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say”
Communication plays such an integral part of our professional and personal life. Whether it is talking, reading, writing or watching, we communicate constantly through different mediums. Yet, often we feel that we are not being heard; that our messages are not getting through to the right people; or that we often catch ourselves thinking about a response whilst the other person is still communicating – therefore, possibly, missing out on vital information.
In order to effectively communicate one has to actively listen to understand.
Five tips to enhance active listening:
1. Be Present. Being present means that you are focused completely on the task or person at hand without any distraction from the entire communication.
2. Maximise your use of sincere eye contact. Making eye contact will connect you the other person and allow you to see and read their non-verbal messages that forms half of any conversation.
3. Use Strategic Question strategies. Great questions usually stimulates great conversations and can guide and direct the interaction.
4. Understand that the person’s responses will be right, true and relevant for them. Instead of judging their response rather try to understand it.
5. Always stay curious.
For more detailed tips and practical application of Conversation skills, please contact us at My Pocket Coach.
