World Listening Day falls on July 18th, dedicated to recognizing the importance of being present and actively listening. This Day encourages us to pause and reflect not only on our surroundings but also on each other. It's easy to get caught up in speaking about ourselves and overlook the value of listening to others. Engaging conversations thrive on the balance between speaking and listening. As a business owner and leader, honing your listening skills can greatly benefit your relationships with clients and team members alike.
Check out our four simple steps to keep in mind when listening to others.
1. Use nonverbal cues to show that you're actively listening
Imagine speaking to someone who constantly shifts their gaze, gives one-word replies or seems completely out of it. That doesn't feel great, right? Just because your ears are open doesn't mean that you're really listening. Active listening involves more than just hearing words. Your facial expressions, posture, tone of voice and eye contact all work together to synchronize your presence in the conversation. Maintaining steady eye contact and nodding occasionally are simple ways to show the other person that you're paying attention. You can also paraphrase what they said back to them or mirror their body language. These actions show that you're listening, but it's not just about the cues; it's about genuinely thinking about what the other person has to say. Incorporating these cues can help you find the authenticity you're looking for.
2. Be curious and ask questions
As a listener, don't be afraid to pick their brain! Whatever you're curious about, ask away and they'll be happy to tell you more. When you show interest in what the other person says, it'll encourage deeper conversations and more meaningful interactions. Instead of just asking questions that invite 'yes' or 'no' answers, try asking ones that invite deeper answers, like "how does that make you feel?" and "what goals are you working towards right now?". If you're an introvert, it may feel a little bit awkward engaging in these conversations ‒ that's perfectly normal. Don't overthink it and go with the flow. Asking questions will eliminate those awkward pauses and improve your skills as a listener.
3. Become aware of your own emotions
Letting your emotions show during conversations can be a powerful thing as it'll display your authenticity. Smiling when the other person shares something positive reinforces that you're engaged and attentive. Laughing at their jokes or showing empathy when discussing their struggles are ways to connect on a deeper level. Let your natural feelings come through as a listener. However, you don't want to force it because conversations aren't a one-way street. It's important to acknowledge your own feelings during interactions. If you're not comfortable or if something doesn't feel right, it's okay to be honest about it. Your feelings are valid and prioritizing them is essential in becoming an authentic listener.
4. Practice non-judgemental listening
Sometimes, you may find yourself disagreeing with what the other person has to say. After all, we're all individuals with unique perspectives shaped by our backgrounds and experiences, so it's natural to feel conflicted or judgmental at times. Becoming a better listener begins with setting aside your own biases and prejudices and simply listening. Keeping an open ear should also mean keeping an open mind. It's perfectly fine to have a different opinion and share it, but it's important to do so respectfully after they've finished speaking. Being non-judgemental allows you to be more constructive and receptive when you're listening. Although it can be challenging to do at times, practicing this can help you build empathy and improve your ability to connect with others.
Like many aspects of our lives, becoming a better listener requires practice and patience. Perfection is unlikely, but taking consistent steps to improve your listening skills can lead to big milestones that benefit both your journey as a professional and as a business owner.
For more tips on improving your communication skills, check out our blog, Refining Leadership Through Communication here.
Author: Gary Wong
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