Active listening

BECOME A SELF-CRITIC

Self-criticism is a sign of a good thinker. When you become a self-critic, you get to see your thoughts and actions very clearly. Until you analysis your thought process, you can’t grow as a thinker. When there is no growth in thinking, there is no growth in career too.

ACTIVE LISTENING

Though I believe that you can’t think and listen at the same point in time. But it is important to listen to facts and other’s perspectives to think out of the box. In the modern world, if you want to Mark your identity, you have to be a thinker who plays his card out of the box. Active listening increases the potential of your thought process. It clearly shows what other people are thinking and what type of decision they will easily consider.

Eye contact

Eye contact during the conversation shows the speaker that you give him your attention and that you really care about what he says.

Avoid distractions

There are so many examples of distractions such as our thoughts, mobile phones, gadgets, music, side activities, other people and more. Learn to avoid these distractions otherwise, they can destroy your conversation.

Body gestures

Body gestures and language are a whole science. Your body gestures tell the speaker whether you listen carefully or not.

Give feedback

Ask questions to clarify certain points, tell your opinions, summarize the speaker's comments.

Show that you are listening

Use facial expressions such as smile, note your posture, encourage the speaker to share and to continue.

Listening allows you to learn, to have relationships, to plan, to develop, to be the part of something, to create, to think and much more.

Timing

Is this a good time to bring this up considering what else is going on right now?

Is this a good time for me to express myself considering my own emotions and heart issues?

Is this a good time for them to hear me out?

Tone

What is the tone in my voice?

What is the tone of my body language?

What is the tone of my heart?

Technique

Am I remember to start with a positive comment and pointing out one of their strengths?

Am I being careful to not use words like "always" and "never"?

Am I owning my own stuff and not blaming others or playing the victim?

Truth

Is what I am saying a truth that lines up with scripture?

Is what they are saying to me a truth that I need to hear even If their timing, tone, and technique stinks?

Is it possible for me to be teachable, in spite of how I feel, and apply this truth to my life?

1. Make eye contact

2. Read body language

3. Ask relevant questions

4. Summarize

5. Mind your tone when asking questions

6. Use empathy

1. Understand how you communicate

2. Skip the fluff and be honest

3. Think before you speak

4. Become an active listener

5. Work on your body language

01 Maintain strong eye contact

Maintaining steady eye contact during a conversation established trust and lets the listener know that you are serious.

02 Familiarize yourself with body language

Understanding non-verbal cues will vastly improve your communication skills. Be able to gauge your audience based on their body language.

03 Become a master of small talk

Understand which topics make for good small talk. Great relationships (personal and professional) all usually start with small talk. Being comfortable during this type of communication will improve your communication skills in other areas.

04 Never over talk

Become an active listener and never talk over another person during a conversation. This is a massive issue for many during communication. Avoid it completely.

05 Know your "why"

Know precisely what you are trying to accomplish during specific discussions. Are you attempting to network? Do you want to learn something? Understanding your end goal while communicating will help you communicate more effectively.