10 Worst Listening Practices:
1- Pretends to be listening. There’s no exchange of energy because they are faking it.
2- Gets triggered by emotional words so they overreact or backs off from their point.
3- Easily bored when someone talks at a slower pace or they get spacey.
4- Are distracted and change the subject back to them.
5- Takes copious notes as if observing a lab rat.
6- Listens for facts only so they can make buyer wrong.
7- Looks to prove their point with argument.
8- Turns off when the topic is dry or doesn’t seem to go anywhere.
9- Tunes out if buyer isn’t very articulate or savvy.
10- Backs away from difficult situations, hot emotions—prefers light banter without substance
Top 10 Active Listening Practices.
1- Be Open- keep an open mind and don’t plan your rebuttal
2- Find areas of interest even within “boring” discussions. It’s up to you to make it interesting.
3- Don’t judge a book by it’s cover. Even if they might stammer be sure to grasp the content.
4- Be slow to fire back with proof. Be sure to pace it.
5- Listen for the idea behind the idea.
6- Be flexible. If you are a religious note taker try to jot down symbols for emotions you are picking up.
7- Focus. Resist distractions, interruptions.
8- Thought goes faster than speaking—weigh what you are hearing.
9- Practice elongating your attention—read heady material, stare at a candle lit flame and think about empty your mind.
10- Translate “hot” words –listens to the impressions she receives.
Tip-Active listening posture is about being on high alert and relaxed at the same time. Try a few “do’s” and watch how people respond better.
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