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The craft of listening; Can we truly connect in everyday conversations?

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In our fast-paced world, communication often feels one-sided. We rush to get our points across, barely pausing to truly hear what others have to say. But listening is just as important, if not more so than speaking. It's the foundation for strong relationships, empathy, and deeper understanding.

Here's the secret: listening goes beyond simply registering sound waves. It's an active process that requires focus and intention. It's about giving someone your full attention, both verbally and otherwise. Here are some tips to elevate your listening game in everyday conversations:

  • Be Present: Put away distractions like phones and maintain eye contact. This shows the speaker you're engaged and interested.

  • Listen Beyond Words: Pay attention to body language and tone. A furrowed brow or hesitant voice can reveal unspoken emotions.

  • Ask Questions: Don't be afraid to ask questions that show you're following along and want to understand their perspective

  • Avoid Interrupting: Give the speaker space to finish their thought.expand_more Jumping in can shut down the conversation and prevent them from fully expressing themselves.

  • Acknowledge and Validate: Show you're listening by summarising key points or offering simple affirmations like "I see" or "That sounds tough.”

By actively listening, you gain a deeper understanding of the person and their message. You create a safe space for them to share openly, encouraging trust and connection. This can be as simple as giving your friend your full attention while they talk about a bad day or truly hearing your child's excitement about their latest project.


Remember, listening isn't just about waiting for your turn to speak. It's about creating a meaningful exchange where both voices are heard and valued. The next time you're in a conversation, try to truly listen. You might be surprised by the connections you build and the insights you gain.

Comments

  1. AnonymousJuly 30, 2024 at 1:49 PM

    I've once read a quote »A biggest mistake in communiaction is we do not listen to understand but to respond.«

    ReplyDelete
  2. Karmen ŠJuly 30, 2024 at 1:50 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Karmen ŠJuly 30, 2024 at 1:51 PM

    This is often easier said than done. I myself tend to listen egocentrically. When, for example, an interlocutor tells me about himself, his experiences, what happened to him, I often quickly relate to my own experiences or things that happened to me in a similar context. I'm trying to stop doing that, but it's not always easy. It actually helps me to remind myself that the focus should be on the other person and not on me and my thoughts. It helps if I mainly try to ask questions.

    ReplyDelete

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