CombinedNSP Site Admin
Joined: 13 Dec 2006 Posts: 1406 Location: Cleveland, OH
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Posted: Dec Sun 17, 2006 1:32 pm Post subject: Power Listening |
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Power Listening
Top 10 Tips for Power Listening
1. Don't interrupt.
Give the speaker the courtesy of communicating his thoughts, then ask questions for clarification.
2. Listen for main ideas.
3. Concentrate on substance, not style.
Place your energy and focus on getting the concept of what is being said, not how it is being said or you'll miss the point.
4. Fight distractions.
Turn off the radio, TV, close the door, get away from public areas where you may be interrupted.
5. Stifle anger.
Resolve to hear the person out. If you let the other person speak, you may learn something you didn't know about the situation that may dissipate your angry feelings.
6. Take brief notes.
Taking brief notes on key points keeps you focused on the conversation; you can clarify as needed based on your notes.
7. Let others talk first.
Communicating is not just about YOU talking. Letting the other person speak first gives you a chance to get all the facts and to learn something new you did not know going into the conversation.
8. Empathize.
Put yourself in the other person's shoes, at least for the moment. Open your mind to others' perceptions of reality, not just your own.
9. Withhold judgment.
Ask questions. Decide to hold off judgment until you have gotten all the facts and understand all perspectives. Questions are a great way to seek understanding.
10. Read the feelings between the lines.
Tune in to the conversation with all your senses. This means being cognizant of the body language, facial expressions, and intonations that may give you more clarity than what is actually being said.
Submitted by Carmen Stine, PhD.http://www.welcometoyourlife.com © 1997- 99, by Coach U |
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