10 Reasons to Practice Active Listening

If you listen to our podcasts now and then, Roger and I will bring up ‘active listening’ as one of the most important aspects of communication. Simple: it’s true. Here are some reasons why.

1. By actively listening – before you’re thinking about responding – you have a chance to digest what is actually being said by the other person involved in your communication.
2. Active listening shows genuine respect for the other person.
3. It’s been said that we have two ears and one mouth so that we can use them in that proportion: listen twice as much as we talk. It’s true – it really is a good guideline.
4. Active listening encourages thoughtful responses. It also encourages a more relaxed pace in your communications and gives space to respond.
5. By practicing active listening you’ll tend to look the other person in the eye – which gives them the confidence that they are being heard. Being heard and being acknowledged is one of the most valuable things a person can feel.
6. Active listening requires more focus and attention than a casual conversation – which tends to require more energy; but also gives you more payoff.
7. Active listening encourages more intimacy and brings people closer together.
8. Active listening will set you apart from almost everyone else that person encounters during the day – and will make you more attractive to them. Yes, even in a business setting.
9. For most people active listening is a higher level of focus than they’re used to – by becoming a skilled active listener you are expanding your horizons.
10. Active listening shows that you care about the other person and the quality of communication that the two of you are engaging in.

Can you think of any more reasons to engage in active listening? Leave a comment!

photo credit: liquene