| Communication
may be the key to a great relationship, but what many people don't understand
is that it's not just about the words that we speak. Just as important to good
communication is LISTENING. Active listening requires the focus of our attention
to be on the other person. |
 |
The Benefits of Active Listening - People
listen attentively to each other
- Misunderstandings are avoided when people
confirm that they truly understand what another person has said.
- Opens
people up to speak more honestly and freely.
- Eliminates the defensive
nature that arises when we are misunderstood
Successful relationships
are based on a mutual interest and trust. How we communicate with each other can
reflect how much we are willing to invest in a relationship. Not giving full attention
to what is being said can be interpreted as a lack of interest and can be especially
harmful if you're in the middle of a conflict. Here are some suggestions to help
you learn how to listen actively: Echo Back: One of the most effective
ways to show that you are actively listening is by echoing back to them what was
just said. It not only shows that you're listening it also makes it easier for
you to remember what was said. The point is not whether you agree or disagree
with what was said but to affirm your involvement and confirm your understanding
of what was said. Provide Feedback: Expressing your interpretation of
what is being said can be helpful especially helpful in an intimate or stressful
conversation. Your awareness of the emotions involved will help to squelch a developing
conflict and shows your sensitivity to the emotional nature of the discussion.
Empathy: A key to active listening is empathy. By deliberately listening,
we are trying to understand and identify with our partner and our response will
validate what they are saying. Without this deliberate action of listening to
understand, you may fall into several embarrassing situations : - Mouthing
foolish comments or a response that is totally inappropriate
- Providing
an elementary level response to a serious discussion
- Disregarding the
ongoing conversation and beginning a new one
- Offering a superficial response
that shows a lack of interest
Five Tips On Being a Great Listener - Listen
to learn first, then to respond - Your turn will come to speak after you have
fully comprehended their point of view or comment.
- Allow the whole story
to be told. Don't assume you know what's going to be said or jump to conclusions.
Hear them out!
- Don't plan in your head what you're going to say next.
This takes your mind away from actively listening to what the other person is
saying.
- Sometimes people just need to vent. What you have to say may
not be as important as showing interest by actively listening.
- Good communication
skills offer a balanced opportunity for both partners to participate. Don't hog
the show!
Relationship Benefits - Learn more about
your partner by listening.
- Open opportunities to correct misunderstandings
early on.
- Trust is built in a relationship when we know we have a solid
sounding board and a partner who cares enough to actively listen.
If
you're struggling to maintain a long-term relationship, maybe someone has been
trying to tell you something - but you just weren't listening. Or worse, you weren't
interested in what was being said. If that's the case, you need to learn to actively
listen, not to impress with your opinions, but rather with the intent of getting
to know your partner. You may be amazed at what you hear!
By Vanessa
May
DateShowcase.com © 2007
___________________
| 
