Listening Response Styles

Even if you think you're a great listener already, chances are you can improve your skills even more. Body language and eye contact, understanding and what to avoid all play a large role in listening and responding effectively. The goal is to communicate clearly, not to be heard over someone else.

Body Language

·         Part of being a good listener is conveying the correct body language. Show the speaker that you're paying attention. Make eye contact as they're speaking. Also, stop what you're doing and face the speaker instead of continuing with your tasks and appearing distracted. Don't cross your arms; smile periodically at the speaker.

Questions

·         One great way of responding to whoever is speaking is to ask at least one question. This shows the speaker two things: that you're paying close attention to what he's saying and also that you're interested enough in what he's talking about to want to know more.

Empathy

·         Even if you don't entirely agree with the speaker's viewpoint, show that you empathize. Try to put yourself in her shoes and let her know that you understand what she's saying and where she's coming from. By understanding a perspective that's outside of your normal viewpoint, you open the door to resolving a problem if there is one.

Rebuttal

·         Even if you're fairly certain that you know how a certain conversation is going to go, don't plan your rebuttal ahead of time. If you do, you'll be less likely to truly listen to the speaker and form your opinion once you have all of the facts. If you're in an argument with someone, the main goal shouldn't be to prove that you're right but to resolve the problem in the best way possible.

Avoidances

·         Don't interrupt the speaker, even if the two of you are in a heated debate and you feel like you have important information to interject. Wait your turn to speak. If you listen, he'll be more likely to listen to whatever you have to say as well. Also, don't change the subject. Doing so makes the speaker feel as though he's insignificant. At meetings, don't take too many notes unless they're absolutely necessary. Instead, pay attention to the speaker. After the meeting you can jot down the main points so that you don't forget them.