ListeningListening Skills and Blocks

Listening Skills Stop Talking and Listen Help the other person feel free to speak—look like you are interested in what he has to say.

Listening skills Go to an appropriate Environment to talk…Not in the middle of a noisy gym. Remove All distractions such as the Phone,TV or Radio.

Listening Skills Let the person finish what she is saying before you begin to talk—do not finish sentences for her. Do not offer advice unless it is asked for.

Listening Skills Ask questions to the person. This shows that you have been listening and are interested in what is being said. Ask questions that cannot be answered with one word? –Open ended »? Yes/No

Listening Skills Listen with appropriate Body Language—Nods, hand gestures, etc. Don’t yawn or lean back—act as if you are interested.

Effective Listening Be Honest and sincere, but not critical and sarcastic. Remember, people react to what is said as follows –55% to Facial Expression –38% to tone of voice –7% to words

Listening Skills Sit or stand near the person to whom you are speaking. Maintain Eye Contact

Listening Skills Give Appropriate Feedback –Reflective Listening

Listening Blocks I must defend my position

I’m looking for an Entrance- Don’t be more concerned with what you have to say than what is being said.

I don’t have time to listen to you If the current time is not convenient, simply tell the other person that another time would be better, that you are busy right now

I already know what you have to say. You don’t know what another person is going to say until they have said it. Listen!

I know what you should do… Don’t give advice unless it’s asked for.