10 Step Program To Becoming A Better Listener

Listening--seems easy, we take it for granted, yet spend more time talking than really listening. I just read a nice blog that offered a good reminder of critical listening skills. This posting cam from "Dumb Little Man-Tips For Life," it is worthwhile reading. Here is the summary, but read the post:

1. Be legitimately interested.
2. Avoid planning counterarguments.
3. Be honest about your time.
4. Accept the speaker's point of view.
5. Use body language, eye contact and repetition.
6. Go beyond words.
7. Get rid of distractions.
8. Be aware of your history with the speaker.
9. Ask questions.
10. Watch and learn from the "good listener."

Listening---it's important, we all need to do it better and more actively!