Are you listening?

Hearing is not the same as listening. Hearing is passive while listening is an active process that requires awareness and effort. Understanding is the goal of listening. 

By listening attentively to another person, you are giving the gift of your full attention. Unfortunately, holding on to someone's full attention for even a few minutes at a time is increasingly uncommon in today's world of digital distractions. 

Why listen?
-People change, listening is one way to find out in what ways. 
-To build rapport.
-To show your support and interest in another person.

Tips of attentive listening:
-Pay attention to what is being said, as if you'll need to write an article on the topic.
-Pause after the other person is done talking. 
-Ask open-ended questions, and ask for clarification if needed.
-Be curious, courteous, and attentive

A few things to avoid:
-Interrupting 
-Shifting the conversation from them to you
-Interrogation
-Asking "why"


Post written from my notes for the book You're Not Listening by Kate Murphy.