Page Title

Listening - A Key Skill in Communication

October 22, 2002

"The tell-tale signs of a good listener:

* Paying close attention to others when they are talking;
* Taking an interest in someone you meet for the first time, trying to find an area of mutual interest;
* Believing everyone has something of value to teach or impart to you;
* Setting aside a person's personality/voice in order to concentrate on what they know;
* Being curious in people, ideas and things;
* Encouraging a speaker (with nods or eye contact)
* Taking notes;
* Knowing one's own prejudices and working at controlling them to ensure listening continues;
* Being patient with poor communicators;
* Not being told you don't listen;
* Having an open mind in respect of other peoples' points of view (Stephan, 2002, p. 150)."

Reference:  Stephan, E. G. (2002).  Powerful leadership: how to unleash the potential in others and simplify your own life.  Upper Saddle, NJ:  Financial Times Prentice Hall Books.

Are you a good listener?

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Created: 2008-12-13, Updated: 2009-01-06