What kind of listener are you?

Communication refers to the exchange of information between individuals, exchange being the operative word. Effective communication should, therefore, focus as much on receiving a message as it does on delivering one. What kind of listener are you?

Are you a mind reader? If you're constantly trying to second-guess others, you can't be giving them your full attention.

Are you an adviser? If you go in already focused on what you think is best, you're unlikely to be open to the suggestions of others.

Are you a cherry picker? Cherry pickers listen out for what they want to hear and tune everything else out, which causes them to miss out on valuable details.

Are you a daydreamer? I said, are you a daydreamer?

Even if you think you're a good listener, why not shoot for better? Maximize the success of presentations, new business pitches - and even dates - by following these effective listening tips:

1. Always give whoever is speaking your full attention. (Note: Checking out their spiffy new shoes doesn't qualify.)
2. Stay focused. Listen to every word the speaker is saying instead of anticipating what they're going to say next. If you find yourself glazing over, give your body a quick wake-up call by shifting your position.
3. Don't jump ahead. If you're busy thinking about what you're going to say next, you can't be giving the speaker your full attention.
4. Don't interrupt. If you think of a question, jot it down, let the speaker finish their thought and pose the question during a suitable break.
5. Play it back. If you're not certain you've understood the message correctly, say something along the lines of: If I understand you correctly, what you're saying is ... and replay what they've said, only in your own words. 

 
That's it for this post. Thanks for listening.