Listen. Really listen. Listen actively.
Active listening is always a part of the list of tips to improve our communication skills. In other words, active listening plays a significant role in improving how we communicate.
What happens when we actively listen?
Firstly, a person who observes a lot more than they speak will notice more the type of words used, the tone of voice, the energy of the speaker, the body language, and more. Secondly, his/her brain will record and process all of this information. When we actively listen to people we can collect so much data about them, as a result. And, finally, sometimes, we can even realize what someone is not expressing verbally. Where am I going with this?
How to to improve your active listening
If you’re a regular reader of my blog you probably are quite interested in becoming a better and healthier version of yourself, learning new habits, and unlearning ones that no longer serve you. Here’s my advice to all of my readers: listen, really listen. Listen actively to the people speaking to you. Active listening involves paying attention to the details in the conversation. These details include the way people speak, the words used, their energy, the emotions, the eyes, or the body language. I find that too many people don’t listen enough. Improve your active listening skills if you want to improve your relationship with others.
Some reasons why people barely listen actively
Most people spend too much time thinking of what they expect the other person will say. Or, they are mostly focused on what he/she might mean, based on past interactions with that person; forgetting that people evolve and this person may not be the same he/she was before. A lot of people are, often, passively listening because they are thinking of their response. They miss valuable information that could serve in understanding the other person better or that could help resolve conflict. A lot of people just love hearing themselves talk, monopolizing most conversations. Too many people dismiss, due to poor listening skills, their loved ones’ quiet cry for help, for love, and for emotional-support… It is quite saddening. This touches me deeply as a highly-sensitive person to see how indifferent of others a lot of people can be.
This is why I encourage you to consciously pay attention to the people speaking to you. Too many people let their ego influence how open they are to hearing what others are expressing. This often leads to misunderstandings. Some people are so committed to misunderstanding other people that they never make an effort to hear them. Therefore, listen. Really listen.
