When was the last time you were truly listened to? Deeply, openly and honestly listened to … it’s been a while, right? On the other hand, how often are you eager to slip away when in conversation to get on with your to-do list?

In today’s high-tech, high-speed, high-stress world, communication is more important than ever, yet we seem to devote less time to really listen to one another. It seems as if everyone is communicating elsewhere. Have you noticed how no-one is without their piece of technology … frequently looking down and completely distracted? How much of the person’s divided attention are you getting?

Did you know that humans process only 2000 of the 400 billion pieces of information that come into our brain per second? That means that we only process a tiny fraction of what we hear from others. In fact, researchers claim that we only remember 25 – 50% of what we hear.

Our lives have been changed by technology and hey, it’s inevitable and important. But, in a sense we’ve become emotionally uninvolved. Genuine listening has become a rare gift. Yet, the most basic of all human needs is the need to understand and be understood.

But, why bother? Where will listening actually get you? Everyone desires to be heard and understood, and we reward people who provide us with those opportunities with our trust and loyalty. This skill applies as much to our interpersonal relationships as to our professional lives. Listening creates understanding, empathy, compassion and connection.

Here are some suggestions that have helped others become better listeners:

• Make eye contact when someone is talking to you. If you don’t look at a person while they’re speaking, you give them the impression that you don’t care.
• Shut out distractions. Put your cell phone on mute, tune out the noise and focus on what the speaker is saying.
• Don’t interrupt. Often people simply need someone to talk to; listening doesn’t always require solutions. Don’t constantly prepare a rebuttal, simply listen.
• Look at non-verbal cues. 60 – 75% of our communication is non-verbal. In order to know when to encourage the speaker, or when to be more supportive; keep a close eye on the non-verbal cues.
• Defer judgement. Assert your opinions respectfully.
• Show a response to what the speaker is saying. Nod, tilt your head, or smile.
• Restate what you’ve heard. Good examples are: “Are you saying that ____” or “What I heard you say was ____” or “Did you mean that ____”
• Listen with your heart. Connecting on an emotional level is a powerful tool.

In the age of digital distraction, really listening is a rare thing. Yet, it’s one of the most healing experiences feeling that someone hears you and, through hearing you, truly sees you.

A wise man once said: We have two ears and only one tongue, so we can listen twice as much as we speak.”

So then, just … Listen.

Source: purposefairy.com, huffingtonpost.com, tinybuddha.com, lonerwolf.com, skipprichard.com, psychologytoday.com, inc.com, eandvgroup.com, medium.com, forbes.com, blog.eskill.com, oprahdaily.com, janeadsheadgrant.com, fascompany.com, corporatefinanceinstitute.com, mindtools.com

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.