As a wise man once said, “Nature has given men one tongue but two ears, that we may hear from others twice as much as we speak.” Even still, listening is a difficult skill. More often than not, we find ourselves listening to respond, rather than listening to learn. Don’t worry if that sounds like something you’re guilty of.
It’s never too late to learn how to be a better listener overnight.
Remember to Maintain Eye Contact
Above all else, maintaining eye contact lets the person you’re speaking with know that you’re listening. But that isn’t all that it does. When you maintain eye contact, you are more actively involved with the conversation by default. It’s hard to be disengaged when you’re making a concerted effort to keep your eyes focused on the person you’re talking to.
It may feel uncomfortable or awkward at first, but it’s ultimately one of the most important communication skills that you can develop throughout your life and career.
Limit Distractions as Much as Possible
It’s far easier to maintain eye contact and be a better, more active listener when you limit distractions as much as possible. Put down the smartphone. Forget about the clock. In those moments when you’re trying to be a present listener, just focus on being present.
To become a better listener overnight, start by limiting as many distractions as you possibly can.
Ask Questions to Dive Deeper
By far, the best thing you can do to become a better listener overnight is to simply ask questions. Dive deeper into the conversation and make it all about the person you’re speaking with.
One of the worst things you can do when you’re trying to be a better listener is to assume you know the answers to the questions you’re asking. Don’t try to be a mind-reader; just allow the person you’re in conversation with to lead and answer freely.
In the end, being a better listener just takes patience, concentration, and a willingness to tap into your natural sense of empathy. Be the person you wish would listen to you, and center all of your conversations around the idea that you’re there to learn from others. Ultimately, this practice will make you not only a better listener, but also a better person all around.
So grateful for this perspective–// becoming a better person in every way definitely includes listening to the world around us
Great article
Great advice! I love the content and the reminder that empathy is required. Connection happens through empathy.
Great tips to focus on listening to learn! Thank you
Very helpful.
I love it when people embody what they preach. Leslie thanks for living the life you teach us all live. We all need to listen more.
Great article! Very useful read for everyday life.
So grateful that my wife and I can gain from your insight and work to create our own personal freedom so we can help many many others like you and Jeff!
Thanks for sharing!
Wonderful article and a great reminder to take our eyes and ears off ourselves and focus on those around us and speaking to us. Everyone wants to be valued and this is a great way for us to show those around us how much we value them.
This is good insight!! Thanks for sharing.
Wow! Fantastic ‘How To’! Thank you taking the time to write this Leslie! My fiance and I just made a rule about smartphones at the table when we share meals together, they are such an ongoing distraction.. one that is easily removed 🙂 It’s great to learn how we can become even better listeners and take it to the next level!
Great read! Have become more intentional and focused with active listening( been my crutch for a while). This just puts more emphasis and better insight on the importance of being a great listener.
Fantastic advice!
Awesome, thanks!
Hi Leslie, As always, I so appreciate your wisdom. I am working on being a better listener so I was very interested to read what you had to say. I specifically like what you said about maintaining eye contact and using that intentional effort to stay present in the conversation. Thank you for sharing!
Great article! If more people follow these tidbits of advice, we’ll have a lot of great listeners out there!
Great advice! Thanks for sharing
This is beautiful and so empowering to be able to experience through interactions with you and then to apply in our relationships in marriage, friendship, family, business. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing your insights Leslie. I will apply these techniques everyday and will become a better listener.
Great points! The note about limiting distractions (especially the smart phone!) is such a huge thing. Thank you for the reminder 🙂
Thank you for being an awesome female Role Model!
Thank you so much for this perspective! I am so grateful and will implement this immediately.
Definitely a go to read!!
Thanks for this.
So true – put the phone down and listen! And show that you are listening by using those follow up questions – “dive deeper”. Thank you Leslie for all you do by giving back ~ and Welcome Jeff! Your business background insight is such a great addition to Leslie.
Great advice! listening and asking questions is a skillset we all could use.
Great perspective, and the most important part to building a genuine relationship with someone.
Thank you Leslie for this article! Definitely something I need to work on.
Great advice, thanks for sharing!
Appreciate the article! Thank you!
Thank you for sharing this! So good!
Great advice. Thanks for sharing
Something we ALL need to get better at! D
Great information, very helpful to bettering conversations
Hi Leslie! Thank you for the great advice.
Wow this is great!
Love this Leslie! You’re such a role model. I love the selfless life that you lead.
Awesome advice. Great article!
Awesome advice!
Learning how to listen is the first step in developing speaking skills