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Listening is a skill from "summary" of The Lost Art of Listening by Michael P. Nichols
Listening is a skill that requires practice and effort to develop. It is not simply the act of hearing words spoken by another person. True listening involves actively engaging with what the speaker is saying, both verbally and nonverbally. To be a good listener, one must be able to focus on the speaker and show genuine interest in what they are saying. This means maintaining eye contact, nodding along, and providing verbal cues such as "I see" or "Tell me more." It also involves asking clarifying questions to ensure understanding and to show that you are truly engaged in the conversation. Effective listening requires empathy and the ability to put oneself in the speaker's shoes. This means trying to understand the speaker's perspective, feelings, and motivations. It also involves being nonjudgmental and open-minded, allowing the speaker to express themselves without fear of criticism or ridicule. Good listeners are patient and give the speaker their full attention without interrupting or trying to steer the conversation in a different direction. They are able to resist the urge to jump in with their own opinions or stories and instead focus on the speaker's words and emotions.- We must be willing to practice active listening on a regular basis. This means being mindful of our listening habits and making a conscious effort to be more present in our conversations. By honing our listening skills, we can improve our relationships, deepen our understanding of others, and ultimately become better communicators.
