REMEMBER!
Listening attentively is a skill we all need. But it's especially important when working in a second language. That's when we really need to feel confident that we have heard and understood correctly.
Here are eight things that can help you to listen effectively:
Sit comfortably: Try to relax. Donʼt fidget or sit on the edge of your chair.
Be quiet: Don't interrupt or try to take over the conversation.
Show interest: Nod and use encouraging sounds, words or phrases to show you have understood and want the speaker to continue.
Watch for non-verbal communication: Gestures, facial expressions and eye movements all help you to understand the full meaning of what is being said.
Allow silence: A short silence lets the other person collect their thoughts.
Ask questions to check understanding: Besides ensuring that you have understood, relevant questions signal interest.
Avoid prejudgements: You can't listen properly if you've already decided that the speaker's words have no value.
Empathize: Put yourself in the other person's shoes. Try to understand their point of view, even if you disagree with them.
Good listening skills can lead to greater productivity, fewer mistakes and better customer satisfaction. Sharing more information and ideas also really encourages creative and innovative work.