The Six Keys to Effective Listening

Listening is the most-used communication skill you have. Isn’t it time you gave it a little attention?

You know how to listen. But are you doing it? The average person hears and understands 400 words per minute. Average talking speed, however, is only 125 words per minute. This differential allows our brains to wander, and make grocery lists and think about other tasks, and keeps us from being fully engaged listeners.

The number one cause of confusion at work (and most times conflict) comes from people not hearing each other. With so many distractions, high levels of stress, packed schedules, it’s hard to focus on what people around you are saying. 

In order for effective communication to occur, active listening must take a crucial role. While most people feel they are good listeners, few have truly mastered the skills of active listening. Active listening involves concentrated effort and practice in order to truly grasp what is being “said” and respond appropriately.

Keep these six key strategies in mind to ensure effective listening:

1. Tune in to the speaker: Eliminate distractions, turn your body toward the speaker and present an open facial expression that encourages the speaker to continue

2. Ask for an overview statement: It will let you know what to listen for and it will help the speaker stay on track

3. Take notes: This strategy will let the speaker know that you are interested in what he has to say and it will keep you focused on the content. Taking notes will also slow your brain down so that you are focusing on what the speaker is saying rather than your response.

4. Weigh the totality of the message: Notice the speaker’s delivery style, but don‘t take it too seriously. Don’t judge the message based solely on the speaker’s style—he or she may be nervous or just a poor speaker in general; pay attention to both the verbal and the nonverbal communication

5. Paraphrase the message: Repeat the message back to the speaker in your own words. Sum up the message and ask for clarification where needed.

6. Take a moment to consider what was said before you respond: If you are actually listening rather than formulating your response, you will need this time to develop your response or questions.

Active and interactive listening is vital to encouraging effective listening. While effective listening takes practice, time and effort, it can lead to effective communication and eventually save you time and effort. Active listening is hard work at first. But it is so worth it — nothing improves work relationships faster.