Listening Skills - Importance of Listening

It is more important to listen well rather than speak. By simply speaking one never communicates. It is only when one listens that the transaction is complete. Listening is not nearly hearing a set of sounds. Effective listening is when you not only hear but clearly understand what is being spoken. This is effective communication.

Listening is an art in which we must fully participate with our body, mind and soul. Like any other skill you can learn to listen. Speaking less and listening more is the quality which people find desirable.

Tips for Effective Listening: Hearing only means that you are aware of the sounds made by other person. Listening means that you only hear the sounds but also clearly understand the meaning of what is said.

Five basic tips to be a good listener:

1. Pay Attention: You must respect others than only you will pay attention to what they have to say. Look directly at others without being distracted, looking at your watch or speaking on your cell phone.
2. Do not Interrupt: No one like to be interrupted while speaking. Allowing the speaker to complete what he has to say will show that you are interested in it.
3. Do not let your mind Wander: If you are thinking of something else when the speaker is speaking you are nearly hearing but not listening.
4. Clarify: Requesting a speaker to clarify demonstrates your interest in what he is saying. It also helps to clearly understand the subject and remember the points made.
5. Do not jump to Conclusion: Nothing is more disturbing a speaker than someone leaping to conclusion before he has completed his speech.