15 Practical Tips For Listening

The arts of being quiet and listening are interconnected. They are also vital to having a happy and productive life. Here are 15 tips to help you get started.

1. It may be an old proverb, but it's still accurate: Silence is golden.

2. One reason jumps is worth its weight in gold is that it prevents arguments. When applied thoughtfully it can also end them.

3. Listening makes it possible for you to understand what another person is thinking.

4. Active and interested listening, is a basic form of respect - one that is universally accepted and appreciated.

5. It doesn't matter if you think in Creation or development, one fact remains either way: We have two ears and one mouth - indicating we will need to listen twice as much as we speak.

6. Listening to someone else virtually guarantees that they'll listen to what you have to say.

7. Quick thought: it's no coincidence that when authorities read a person their Miranda rights the first thing they say is,"You have the right to remain silent".

8. You get into a lot less trouble listening than you do by talking.

9. People may complain about someone who talks too much, but when was the last time you heard someone complain about someone that listens too much?

10. Ask someone how they are doing, then really listen to their answer.

11. Consider talking 25% less than you do now, for another 10 days.

12. Consider listening 50% more than you do now, for another 10 days.

13. Pay attention not just to the words people say, but also for their tone of voice, facial expressions, and gestures. What are these things saying?

14. You cannot learn if you are the one talking. No lesson can be imparted to you. The advantages of what other individuals know are a treasure that can only be unlocked with the key of listening.

15. When you listen don't let your thoughts wander. If you end up thinking about something else ask the individual talking to clarify their previous statement.

And that's fifteen tips for you. If you find it hard to remember a particular tip whilst talking to someone, just remember to relax, be considerate, and revel in listening to what the other person has to say.