How can we improve our effective communication and listening skills?

Active listening, taking notes and having an open mind can help improve the skills

Listening is the ability to accurately receive and interpret messages in the communication process.

Listening is key to all effective communication, without the ability to listen effectively messages are easily misunderstood – communication breaks down and the sender of the message can easily become frustrated or irritated.

If there is one communication skill you should aim to master then listening is it.

Here are some essential tips for learning to to communicate more effectively.

1.      Listen, Really Listen

2.      Pay Attention

3.      Put Away the Distractions

4.      Wait and Watch for Non-Verbal Communication

5.      Ask Questions and Repeat the Other Person

6.      Listen for Ideas – Not Just Words

7.      Be Brief Yet Specific

8.      Up Your Empathy

9.      Respond Appropriately

10.  Defer Judgment