Learn more about communication with this collection
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Hear between the words
When you’re in conversation, set your mind to being present, receptive, and ready to listen with compassion.
Bring yourself into the moment with a few deep breaths and ask yourself: What is this person communicating beyond the words they use?
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Mindful listening
This constant, low-grade sense of urgency can impede genuine communication.
Mindful listening - focused attention to what another person is saying, without judging or having an agenda - is a foundational skill that is rarely practised anywhere.
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Respond with curiosity
When you get fairly good at listening mindfully without speaking, begin to experiment with offering brief verbal comments that express kindness, or ask questions that deepen understanding.
The key is to keep the focus on the speaker, not to bend it around to yourself. You might t...
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Notice when your mind wanders
As with mindful breathing, your thoughts will wander.
When you realize that your mind has drifted, let go of the thoughts and return your attention to what the person is saying.
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Use nonverbal cues
When the other person is speaking, just listen. Stay mentally active and alert. Use nonverbal signals like nodding or smiling to let the person know you’re tuned in.
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Scan your body language
Tuning in to your own body can give you valuable information about your direct experience when listening.
Is there tightness in your chest, uneasiness in your belly? Or do you feel a lightness and a sense of joy?
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9. Get Out Of Your Head
Next time you’re having a conversation, see if you catch yourself thinking about what you’re going to say next rather than focusing on what the other person is saying. You may be surprised how often it happens.
Generally, being aware of this tendency is enough to improve it. But if you’re s...
5. Great listeners read between the lines
Ready for ninja-level listening? Listen to what’s not being said. Maybe the speaker’s face doesn’t match their words: Perhaps they smile while talking about horrible, vulnerable things. Maybe their body language changes suddenl...
How To Be A Better Listener
- Push other activities from your mind, and be present in the discussion. This tells the other person that you’re ready for the conversation.
- Keep a neutral expression that simply says, “I’m listening.” We tend to physically react to what we hear and it disrupts our abili...
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