Good listening skills are the key to effective communication
when you’re working with other people.
| • | Face the speaker and make frequent eye
contact – but remember to be culturally sensitive. Some people are
uncomfortable with too much eye contact.
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| • | Remove distractions (e.g. turn off cell
phones) and give the speaker your full attention.
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| • | Show that you are paying attention with
your body language and facial expressions. Keep your body relaxed, lean
forward occasionally, nod your head and smile.
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| • | Paraphrase what the speaker said to
show that you understood his or her message. Use phrases such as: In other
words…; it sounds like you were feeling…; what I heard you say was… This
also gives the speaker an opportunity to correct any misunderstandings.
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| • | Ask questions if something is unclear
or you need more details. Asking questions also shows you are interested and
paying attention.
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| • | Listen for the underlying message. What
does the speaker really mean? What do they really want you to know?
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| • | Be aware of your own biases and
assumptions. Sometimes your personal experiences can affect your
understanding or interpretation of the speaker’s message.
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| • | If the speaker pauses, don’t fill every
space with questions or comments. Leaving silences allows others to join in
the conversation or to think about their response to the speaker’s message.
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| • | If you disagree with the speaker,
resist the temptation to start preparing counter-arguments in your head.
Stay focused on the speaker and listen to the entire message before offering
your opinion.
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| • | Don’t interrupt or cut the speaker off
in your hurry to share your own ideas.
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| • | Acknowledge what the speaker said
before you change the subject.
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