People want to be listened to. If they feel that their feedback is important to you, they would trust you and eventually, you have them for keeps. So being an active listener is one of the steps to skyrocket your business. While it is not easy to be that great listener that people are looking for, I, Ike Madu, have some few tips on how to become a better listener than before.
Let Your Body Do The Talking
Body language matters. Your gestures sometimes speak louder than your words. Let the other person feel that you are listening to him through your body language. While giving verbal nods is one way, leaning forward and keeping eye contact with the person you are talking to are simple gestures to show you are paying them attention.
Give People Your Undivided Attention
When you are talking to someone face to face, I, Ike Madu, suggest that you engage with him or her, not with your gadgets or with anything else. Give the person your full attention and he will give you his trust.
Avoid Unnecessary Interruption
While finishing someone’s sentence may mean you understand what they’re saying, for some, it may mean you are being impolite. If you keep on interrupting, you may miss out what the person is trying to say, resulting in a communication gap. You can never listen attentively when you are thinking of an answer while he is still speaking. Thus I, Ike Madu, recommends that you let the person finish talking before you respond. Then, pause not only to ensure that he has delivered what he needs to say but also for you to have time to prepare for your answer.
Ask Relevant Questions
Asking relevant questions would mean that you are interested in the topic. It means you want to know more about it. It is also a way for the other person to elaborate what they’re telling you, a good opportunity to have a spontaneous conversation. For me, Ike Madu, asking relevant questions is also a great way for clarifying things.
Show someone that you understand. Show someone that you care. Focus on what they are saying and not on what you are going to say. Learn when and how to respond and you will surely win with people.
Ike Madu is an accomplished Director /manager/project coordinator with direct experience in both the recruiting and building of cohesive work teams. Over 25 years of business /financial services experience having held Senior Management and Board level appointments with a variety of Companies throughout his career, spanning Financial services, commodities, general commerce & eWallet’s.