How to Be a Better Listener - 6 Simple Tips to Becoming a Better Listener

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Think about the last time that you really listened to someone and gave them your full, undivided attention. Chances are that it has been awhile. It is easy to get caught up in our own lives and troubles and not listen to others as well as we would like to. Here are some tips on how to be a better listener and really hear what someone else is trying to say.

Don't Interrupt
Interrupting someone while they are talking can be very tempting, however it can also make the other person fee like you don't care what they are saying and don't respect them. Allow the other person to finish what they are saying before you begin to talk.

Really Listen
Don't be thinking ahead to what you are going to say while the other person is talking. Instead, focus your attention on what they are saying and avoid daydreaming, glancing at the TV, reading or anything else that distracts you from hearing what the other person is saying. When someone else is talking make an effort to be truly in the moment and focus completely on what they are saying. This shows the other person that you respect them and truly care about what they have to say.

Don't be Judgmental
As tempting as it may be, make every effort to avoid being judgmental about what the other person is saying. Really listen to what they have to say and then carefully think through how you are going to respond before you do. Just because someone else's feelings or opinions don't jive with your own doesn't mean that they do not have merit.

Make Sure You Really Understand What the Other Person is Saying
A lot of times we interpret things differently than how the person we are listening to intended them. In order to make sure that you have completely understood what the other person is saying try repeating it back to them. Try responding by saying something like "So what you are saying is..." You may be surprised that your interpretation of what the other person was trying to say is way different than what they really meant.

Avoid Giving Advice
Generally it is a good idea to avoid giving advice unless someone asks for it. If you really feel like you do have good advice for them and they have not asked for it, make sure you ask them if they would like your advice or opinion before you just spout it out. That way you will seem less like you are preaching to them and more like you are being helpful and responsive.

Treat Them How You Want to be Treated
The old Golden Rule applies here as well. Think about how you would want another person to listen to you, and listen to them in the same way. You can probably pinpoint what makes you angry when you are talking to someone and feel they aren't listening, so avoid doing the same things to them.