How to be a Better Listener and Communicator

Great communicators are frequently praised for their ability to command a room, deliver a powerful speech, or converse with anyone. Yet, while the skills mentioned above are unquestionably valuable and practical, the ability to listen is possibly the most undervalued aspect of communication.

A good listener may make a person feel like they are the only person on the planet. But, on the other hand, you may sometimes express a thousand words without saying anything by being a thoroughly engaged audience for a colleague.

Here are six methods to improve your listening skills right now.

1. Practice Mindful Patience — Above all things, becoming a better listener necessitates listening! When you talk over someone else or interrupt, it shows you aren't paying attention. Before starting a discussion, remember how important it is to allow the other person to speak for themselves. While listening, resist the desire to interrupt or even consider a retort. You'll find that if you practice patience and pay complete attention to the information you're getting, you'll catch up on many more subtle communication signs from the other side. They'll notice your focus and attentiveness, and they'll not only appreciate it, but they'll also be more receptive to your ideas and suggestions.
2. Ask for clarification — Conversations, especially one-on-one conversations, maybe a lot of back-and-forths. It's easy to misunderstand vital information due to the natural ebb and flow of discussion. To ensure that you received everything accurately, repeat crucial points as you grasp them. If anything doesn't make sense to you or you're having trouble comprehending it, make sure to ask for clarification and other instances to obtain a better understanding. By taking the time to double-check that you're both on the same page, you'll give the other person the confidence to continue forward, and you'll be able to focus on listening at the moment rather than wondering the meaning of prior conversations.
3. Schedule the right amount of time for meetings and discussions — It's easy to slip into the trap of rushing through every meeting. You look at your watch and realize you need to quickly get through the remaining things on the agenda. Allowing enough…