In a fast-paced world of technology and fast communication, the art of listening has taken a huge backseat. People often listen just to reply instead of listening to the person properly first. However, effective listening is an imperative skill that can improve relationships, better understanding, and bring empathy. Here are some of the ways to be a good listener:
Be Present
To be a good listener, the first thing an individual can do is to be fully present in the moment. While listening to a person, your focus should be completely on the person and his thoughts only. Also, make eye contact and use body language to convey your engagement.
Manage your responses
Good listening also requires good control. It often happens that people get excited to speak in between instead of letting the other person complete their message. So, it is better to always focus on the speaker’s message than getting ready to reply.
Practice Regularly
Listening is just like other skills. It takes time to master the skill, so practice every day by talking to your friends, colleagues, or kids. Listening becomes effective after practicing it every day. It is one of the best ways to become a good listener.