How to listen to people effectively so you can understand what they want

STEP 1: Listen with your eyes

Listening is not a passive act. It’s a very active process. To be a good listener, you must actively engage in the conversation. This means paying attention to facial expressions, tone of voice, body language, and other clues.

STEP 2: Use open-ended questions

Ask open-ended questions to keep the conversation going and allow the other person to feel comfortable. Keep the conversation moving so that you get a sense of what the other person is feeling.

STEP 3: Don’t interrupt

Do not interrupt or speak over the other person. Wait for them to finish before you respond.

STEP 4: Give them space

Give the other person some space to talk about themselves. Let them express themselves without interruption.

STEP 5: Let them finish before responding

Don’t try to finish the conversation for them. Let them finish their thought. Then give them time to answer your question. If they don’t have an answer, ask them a follow-up question.

STEP 6: Ask clarifying questions

Ask clarifying questions to ensure that you understood the other person correctly. This will also help you to understand what you need to do next.

STEP 7: Empathize

Try to empathize with the other person. Imagine what it would be like to be in their shoes. This will help you understand what they are saying.

STEP 8: Stay positive

Be a good listener. Try to stay positive and not make negative comments.

STEP 9: Encourage others to share their thoughts

Share your thoughts with the other person. Let them know that you’re listening and that they have something to say.

STEP 10: Listen for opportunities

Look for opportunities to help others. This is a great opportunity to practice your listening skills. Thanks for reading!