Active listening implies live interaction between the interlocutors. It helps to establish contact between people and to better understand each other. If you want to discover a new level of communication, learn effective dialogue techniques.
The goal of active listening is to get the most out of the conversation. The technique includes several techniques that you can master on your own. Learn to listen to your interlocutor correctly and you will see how much more constructive your communication with others will become. This skill will help you both in your personal life and in your work.
First of all, you need to develop your mindfulness. Learn to focus on the conversation. Some people seem to look at the interlocutor and remember what he says, but mentally they are somewhere far away. Focus on the dialogue completely. This is the only way to learn active listening. Over time, you will realize that such full-fledged communication is not only more productive, but also more interesting.
Get out of the habit of trying on your own templates and evaluating people. This will make it easier for you to open up to new information and understand the other person. Otherwise, you will only project your own attitudes and thoughts onto those around you and will not get what you want effectively from communication.
Naturally, then there can be no question of any active listening.
Do not interrupt the interlocutor and do not rush to finish the sentence for him. Firstly, you cannot know for certain what they want to say to you, and you should not think out for others. Secondly, in this way you demonstrate that you consider yourself smarter and smarter than your interlocutor. If the person is choosing the words, wait patiently.
Try to completely immerse yourself in the conversation and actively participate in it. During the monologue of your interlocutor, use facial expressions to show that you understand him. From time to time, if possible, you should nod or express your agreement in short phrases. However, do not do this too often and try not to distract the person from their thoughts. Try to keep eye contact.
Ask clarifying questions during or after the story. This will show that you are delving deeply into the topic of the conversation and gain additional information. Sometimes you can echo the interlocutor using his own statements paraphrased.
If some idea of your interlocutor seemed interesting and worthwhile to you, develop it. This is especially true when your interlocutor casually mentions his own merits or ideas.
Believe me, he will be very pleased if you cling to one sentence and ask to continue this topic.
If your interlocutor pauses, as if considering whether to continue the conversation, show that you treat his words with attention and understanding. Depending on the situation and the degree of closeness with the person, you can nod approvingly, express sympathy or admiration, or take the other person by the hand.
To improve your active listening skills and achieve greater success, develop such personal qualities as respect for others, patience, the ability to empathize with others, the ability to find something interesting, worthy of attention in people. Then your communication skills will always be at their best.
