How to be a Good Listener

We have been taught the art of oratory, debating, speaking and expressing in general since our childhood. However, when you are at the receiving end of this practice, do you ever feel cut-off or bored or uninterested in what the others have to say? I’m sure the answer is yes.

This phenomenon is not a disorder or malfunction of any sort, rather, it is simply the lack of training of a very important art-listening. Keeping this in mind, I have tried to highlight the importance of inculcating the art of listening along with its accompanying effects.

Causes of being a weak listener

1. Lack of focus
2. Overly-occupied mind
3. Short attention span
4. Unhealthy attitude

The problem of being a bad listener generally arises if the person ticks off one or more pointers off the list. However, there is no problem in this world for which we cannot find a solution. Therefore, here are 4 tips to help you become a good listener and make yourself proud:

Solutions

1. Meditate– meditation is the key to peace, concentration and enhanced focus in an individual. All you must do is find a comfortable corner, sit in a relaxed posture and breathe in and out slowly. Meditation is completely subjective, and that is why it is so beautiful. For best results, you must be regular in meditating and you will yourself feel more peaceful and focused in all your endeavors.
2. Keep your mind relaxed– if you are putting your mind into multiple things at once and are taking unnecessary stress, you will be unable to listen to and pay attention to what the person before you is saying.
3. Inculcate empathy– switch roles such that you are the person speaking and the other person is the one listening. Once you gain the experience of being on the receiving end, only then will you be able to increase your attention span and listening skills.
4. Have a healthy attitude– if you have an unhealthy attitude or have a poor mental health, then you can never put someone before you and listen to them with utmost concentration and focus. If this is the case, it is best to take help from a therapist or psychologist. If not professionally, one can also talk to one’s near and dear ones and try to develop a healthy and positive attitude.

Hope you guys found this article helpful and will inculcate what it takes to become a good listener!

http://www.quiz-maker.com/QZG4GDLGG

Take the above quiz to find out if you are a good listener or not!