20 listening tips

If there is one communication skill that is vitally important to learn, it’s listening – not just for the benefit of your work life but also for your personal life too.

Listening gives us the ability to interpret and receive instructions and to think empathetically and sympathetically. We’ve put together 20 tips, so that you can hone and practice effective listening skills.

1. Stop talking
2. Minimise distractions
3. Stop doing other things while you are listening
4. Maintain eye contact
5. Use inviting body language
6. Never interrupt
7. Be patient
8. Listen for understanding
9. Ask for clarification if you do not understand
10. Listen with empathy
11. Listen with compassion
12. Show interest
13. Encourage the speaker with nods and affirmative words.
14. Ask questions
15. Clarify/Paraphrase
16. Listen for content and the way in which the speaker is talking (emotional context)
17. Listen with heart as well as with mind.
18. Follow the speakers lead
19. Avoid thinking about what you’re going to say next.
20. Arrange another time if you cannot listen properly now