The ability to listen is a skill which must be practiced everyday in life. Listening is the basic foundation of communication and yet lot of us lack patience of listening. Listen with the intent to understand, not with the intent to reply. When we listen, we validate the worth of the other person. By listening tolerantly we permit ourselves to connect with the emotions and thoughts of the other human being and create a common ground for understanding. Any information disseminated becomes successful only when it is interpreted and understood properly by the listener and that trait comes when we are ready to listen without any distractions.
One of the biggest gifts to human being is to be heard as they are blessed with one mouth and two ears so as to listen twice as much they speak. The common understanding is generated when we are willing to listen patiently to what is being said. Listening shows respect. It makes people feel special. Listening is the key source of any effective communication set up. You cannot be a good communicator unless you are not a good listener. A good listening requires attention, patience and interest. It involves not just watching out for words but to look for the hidden meaning behind the words. Good listening helps one to become a good speaker. It allows you to gather the data that will improve everything you do. Brilliant performers are brilliant listeners. The better the speaker is at listening, the better she or he will be at speaking.
In this era of technology people take the value of listening for granted. They no longer are interested in knowing the other side of story because they want to be reactive rather than responsive. People are of this view that they can win any argument or debate by bashing the other person by words. Well to understand and to be understood it is necessary to listen to what other person has to say and it is possible only when we appreciate their voice and try to be a good listener. A good conversation starts with a good listening and by doing so we make people feel loved and respected. Just for a day, make the decision to listen. Don’t interrupt, don’t talk, don’t rehearse your answer just listen calmly and deeply while other person is sharing his or her story. Watch the great things unfold while you practice the art of good listening.
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