LISTEN MORE, TALK LESS.
Mastering The Skill of Mindful Listening.
"Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply." - Stephen R. Covey
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's all too easy to fall into the habit of talking more than we listen. Conversations become a race to be heard, an opportunity to voice our thoughts and opinions rather than truly connect with others. I, too, have been guilty of this. I've caught myself formulating responses in my mind while someone else is speaking, as if I were merely waiting for my turn to talk. But as I've continued my journey of personal growth and self-improvement, I've come to realize the incredible power of active listening. My goal before the year comes to a close is to master this invaluable skill—to be present, attentive, and genuinely engaged in every conversation. Now, this doesn't mean I'll suppress my own thoughts or feelings, but rather, I'll give myself the space to authentically process what's being shared with me before offering a thoughtful response. Join me on this quest to "Listen More, Talk Less," as we explore the transformative effects of becoming a better listener and discover practical strategies for enhancing our communication and relationships.
THE POWER OF ACTIVE LISTENING —
What is ACTIVE listening?
Active listening is a communication skill that involves fully focusing, understanding, and empathizing with the speaker during a conversation. It goes beyond just hearing words; active listening requires the listener to be present, attentive, and engaged in the conversation. Lets discuss some key elements of active listening:
Attentiveness: Active listeners give their full attention to the speaker, showing that they are genuinely interested in what is being said. They maintain eye contact, face the speaker, and eliminate distractions.
Empathy: Active listeners aim to understand the speaker's perspective and feelings. They try to put themselves in the speaker's shoes and respond in a way that validates the speaker's emotions.
Avoiding interruptions: They refrain from interrupting the speaker or jumping in with their own opinions or stories. Instead, they allow the speaker to express themselves fully before responding.
Reflecting and summarizing: They reflect on what the speaker has said and may summarize it to confirm their understanding. This also reassures the speaker that they are being heard accurately.
Withholding judgment: Active listeners reserve judgment and avoid making assumptions or premature evaluations. They create a safe space for the speaker to express themselves honestly.
