Break your bad habits in active listening

Old habits can be hard to break, since it requires concentration and determination to be an active listener. This video provides 5 tips to break these habits.

Remember the last time you were engaged in a conversation and you were wondering if the other person was listening to you? This feeling of talking to a brick wall can be frustrating. Wondering how good your listening skills are? Do a small and fun test here. If you need to improve these skills, break your bad habits by following these five key active listening techniques. 

1. Pay attention

• Look at the speaker directly
• Put aside distracting thoughts
• Avoid being distracted by environmental factors

2. Show that you are listening

• Nod occasionally
• Smile and use other facial expressions
• Make sure your posture is open and inviting

3. Provide feedback

• Reflect what has been said by paraphrasing
• Ask questions to clarify certain points
• Summarize the speakers comments

4. Defer judgment

• Allow the speaker to finish, before asking questions
• Do not interrupt

5. Respond appropriately

• Be open and honest in your response
• Treat the other person in a way you think he would want to be treated

These are a summary of the article and are also discussed in the video.