tips for better communication - series 2: how to listen

Tips for better communication II

How to listen!

Tips for better communication: a 4-part series

Series 1: Building empathy

Series 3: How to ask

Series 4: How to understand messages

Executive Coach International Pte Ltd – www.liveyourmark.com

Listening seems like a natural skill,

nevertheless we tend to be more engaged

with our own thoughts than with what

another person is saying. For mindful

listening, we have to put our full focus

and attention to the other person to

truly hear what she or he is

communicating. Therefore…


Create a calm space

Put aside the things that

distract you,

e.g. your cell phone,

laptop, remote control,

etc.

If you are not able to

focus at the moment,

choose another time for

the conversation.


Focus on the other person Listen with the willingness

to understand the perspective

of the other person.

Let the other person express

their full thoughts instead

of interrupting or completing

his or her sentences.

Ask open questions to

encourage the dialogue.


Listen to everything

Listen to more than just

the content; hear the

clues behind the words.

That also includes:

- the tone of the voice,

- emotional content,

- energy behind words,

- and body language.


Listen with your whole body

Listen with your:- ears,- eyes,- and heart.

Have an inner body

awareness.

Have a sense of your own

arising feelings, thoughts,

and body sensations as they

may affect your way of

thinking.


Acknowledge what has been said Before responding take a mindful breath. Pausing will be beneficial.

Do not comment, judge or make quick conclusions.

Paraphrase what the other person has said.

Be patient.


As we are most of the time focused to wait for

someone to finish talking so we can add our own

opinion, we might miss the core messages of what

has been said.

Mindful listening brings openness to the other’s

perspective and increases awareness of our own

arising judgments.


The aim of mindful listening is to give the

speaker your full attention without interrupting

or interfering in the other’s points. It is

important to involve all of your senses and

concentrate on the communicated messages and

gestures to get the whole picture.


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tips for better communication - series 2: how to listen

Leadership & Management