The Best Listening Tips!
I can still see her face. The sweetest elderly lady. A long-time supporter of the pregnancy center I was promoting.
She stopped me after I had given a talk at a church and began talking. My inner voice groaned as I saw someone ELSE I really wanted to talk with. I tried to look at this sweet lady and listen as she talked, but I kept seeing that other person over THERE.
Eventually? She called me out. She said, “I see you aren’t really listening. Never mind. I will talk with you another time.”
Ouch. I hadn’t heard a word she said. I watched her walk away realizing I had not honored her, nor valued her. And that other person? I never did get to speak with them as they left by the time I recovered from being called out. And I simply felt BAD inside.
Listening tips…
Be fully present in the conversation with each and every person God puts in your path. Every. Single. Person. Look them in the eyes. Listen intently. Give them your full attention. Be kind and gracious.
Simply be curious. Enter into conversations WITHOUT an agenda. As you are curious it is easier to have that curiosity and ask clarifying questions. Try it with your next conversation!
Let them finish their thought. Completely! Do not interrupt.
Repeat back to them what you have heard - it will let them know you really ARE listening.
Have I mastered the art of listening? I can assure you the answer is no. But I am mindful and keep trying.