I
found the ways to improve listening really informative and interesting. I guess
I never realized how many different ways there are to improve listening skills.
I think the way we listen is so important in communication because it is how we
understand what the other person is trying to say, and it sets way for how we
are going to respond, which in turn sets up for how that person is going to
comprehend what we are saying. I think it is hard and quite a struggle to avoid
distractions when one may not be interested in what a person is saying. It is
easy to get distracted when you are not interested, and I often do that but I
am trying to work on being better at it. I think the put your self in the other
persons shoes is a good reminder for me on how to stay attentive because what
may not be interesting to me is actually important to the person speaking to
me.
One of the ways I stay focused on a conversation, even one that I am not really vested in is to look for small nuggets that are interesting and stay focused on them. I have the belief that everyone has something interesting to say. You just have to work a little harder with some people to find it. This has helped me stay present and has been a huge help when I talk to my wife. We have different styles where I am more of a “just the facts” guy and she will give a thorough breakdown of the subject. I know that my style can be frustrating to her and I do my best to elaborate when we talk.
ReplyDelete