Strategies to Support Your Client Grow Their Active Listening Skills

Remind your client that if they want people to listen to them, they will need to become a good listener themselves. People tend to listen better to others who they believe have listened to them, understood and appreciated their perspective. By becoming a better listener, your client will improve your productivity, as well as their ability to influence, persuade and negotiate. Your client will also avoid conflict and misunderstanding.

Step To Become A Better Listener

Here are some simple steps your client can follow to become a better listener:

  • Pay attention. Give the speaker your undivided attention and acknowledge the message. Recognize that what is not said also speaks loudly.
    • Look at the speaker directly.
    • Put aside distracting thoughts. Don’t mentally prepare a rebuttal!
    • Avoid being distracted by environmental factors.
    • “Listen” to the speaker’s body language.
    • Refrain from side conversations when listening in a group setting.
  • Provide feedback. Our personal filters, assumptions, judgments, and beliefs can distort what we hear. As a listener, your role is to understand what is being said.
    • This may require you to reflect what is being said and ask questions.
      • Reflect what has been said by paraphrasing. “What I’m hearing is…” and “Sounds like you are saying…” are great ways to reflect back.
      • Ask questions to clarify certain points. “What do you mean when you say…” “Is this what you mean?”
      • Summarize the speaker’s comments periodically.
  • Defer judgment. Interrupting is a waste of time. It frustrates the speaker and limits full understanding of the message.
    • Allow the speaker to finish.
    • Don’t interrupt with counter-arguments.
  • Respond Appropriately. Active listening is a model for respect and understanding. You are gaining information and perspective.
    • Be candid, open, and honest in your response.
    • Assert your opinions respectfully.
    • Treat the other person as you would want to be treated.