Authentic Global Solutions

Have you ever found yourself having a conversation in your head while someone is speaking to you? Do you find yourself evaluating what is being said and even preparing a defence or counter-argument even before they have finished talking? Many of us naturally respond in this way which means we sometimes miss opportunities to gain mutual understanding.

Sometimes, the key to solving problems is simply listening actively. This means we suspend judgement and any temptation to get defensive in a conversation. It is a rather difficult skill to acquire or develop but it is very useful in solving problems. Listening is not just hearing the words that the speaker is uttering but also understanding the message contained within their speech. Communication is not just about words (verbal), but also about expressions and body language (non-verbal) and active listening is about combining both the verbal and non-verbal. Active listening will help us to gain a good understanding of the perspective of the speaker, understand their vantage point and will give us an accurate platform to form our own opinions and make decisions.

An ability to listen well can greatly improve the outcomes of our interactions and thereby improve the quality of our relationships. It will help us become more successful in creating the outcomes that we require.

Here are 5 things we can practice to develop active listening:

1. Be present – Acknowledge the speaker. Respond with eye contact, nods and where appropriate “yes”, “correct” etc. This affirms the speaker and builds trust.
2. Paraphrase – Restate what you have heard them say to confirm you understand.
3. Recapitulate – Summarise and restate the key points you have heard and understood. Combine different themes into a coherent summary.
4. Explore – Ask relevant questions to confirm or improve your understanding. This should be done carefully without prejudice or judgement.
5. Confirm – When we listen, we sometimes make assumptions – test these are accurate by stating them then seeking confirmation.

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