Learning to listen

10 Ways to Become a Better Listener and Change Your Life Forever
I mean really listen — is the single-most important thing you can do to improve communication in your life. It’s unreal how many varied aspects of our lives are directly and indirectly controlled by our ability (or, most often, inability) to listen.
Our romantic relationships run into communication problems everyday. Friendships can get too one-sided and devolve into arguments about taking too much. Even consumerism is dependent upon listening — advertising and referrals help us determine what to buy and where to buy it.
What’s that you say? You’re a great listener? I hate to break it to you, but that’s what we all think. And, as is often the case, we’re all wrong. There’s a big difference between the “passive” listening we offer to others and the “active” listening we hypocritically expect from others. Active listening involves dedicating yourself to improving your listening skills. It involves making a point of being extra vigilant about your reactions, and extra aware of your tendencies.
1. Work On Your Body Language
2. Analyze Speaker’s Body Language
3. Don’t Interrupt
4. Encourage Others to Speak
5. “Mirror”
6. Avoid Arguments
7. Notice the Little Things
8. Don’t Try to Solve Other People’s Problems (unless they ask
9. Don’t Judge
10. Be Honest
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