How to Be a Better Listener
By Amy Crump, TVG CFO
“Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.” – Jimi Hendrix
With so many things clamoring for our attention these days- technology, multitasking, social media and other distractions—it has become more difficult to be a good listener.I think we are all guilty of trying to listen to a conversation, check our phone, and formulate our next comment all at the same time. It’s no wonder that we are unable to truly listen to the conversation taking place right in front of us.
Becoming a better listener takes practice. It won’t happen overnight. I read an article recently about New York Times best-selling author Ken Abraham, who is known for writing detailed biographies in partnership with high-profile celebrities. In the article, Ken was described as a “power listener.” He helps celebrities and others tell their stories by conducting in-depth interviews with them, so being a good listener is essential to capturing the true spirit of the person and their story.
The next time you are having a conversation, try to concentrate on becoming a better listener. Here are a few helpful tips:
• Relax, clear your mind and stay in the moment
• Remove potential distractions, like cell phones
• Pauses in the conversation are OK
• Ask questions to understand: be curious!
• Repeat what you heard to make sure you have it right
• Don’t interrupt
• Maintain eye contact while listening
So much can be gained from becoming a better listener, including improving your client relationships and gaining insights about stakeholder perceptions. I hope you will give some of the tips a try. Who knows? You may be the next power listener!
Need to brush up on your listening techniques? Having trouble telling your story? TVG offers a wide variety of customized training programs that can help! Visit our website for more information, or call us at 314-991-4641