Á few Tips on how to Become an Active Listener

The most valuable gift we can give someone is our undivided attention and being able to be an active listener.
So how do we do this?

Rule #1...... Listen without interrupting. When someone wants to talk to you, you must put aside all distractions. Turn off the TV or radio. Put down the newspaper and turn off your cell phone. Face the other person directly and concentrate 100% on what the other person is saying.


Rule #2.....Pause before replying. Take a few seconds to carefully consider what the other person has said. When you pause you are avoiding the risk of interrupting the other person if he/she is just reformulating their thoughts.


Rule #3.....Never assume that you you know what the other person is thinking or feeling. If you are unclear .....simply ask "can you explain some more?" or "how do you mean?" when you are seeking clarity you are demonstrating to the other person that you really care about what he/she is saying and also that you are interested in understanding how the other person thinks and feels.


Rule #4.....Is for you to feed back what the other person has said. This is where you are letting the other person know that you are paying attention. When you repeat back what the other person has just said, in your own words, you prove to him/her that you were really listening. "did i hear you right, when you said?"

                                        Karin Glannstam - Personal Success Coach
                                                  www.karinglannstam.com