To open the seminar the trainer asked everyone to share our reasons for attending the course and then turn to our neighbor and discuss some of the communication challenges we face and the methods we use to overcome these challenges. If I had to guess, I would say at least 75% of the participants mentioned improving their listening skills at a key reason for attending the communication seminar.
I've been told I'm a good listener, but recently I've noticed gaps in my attentiveness. Apparently, I'm not the only one. Here are some of the commonalities my partner and I listed as challenges to being a good listener:
- Making assumptions about the speaker
- Formulating an opinion before the speaker is finished sharing
- Succumbing to distractions
We then discussed how we attempted to overcome our listening shortcomings. Here are some of the methods we shared:
- Waiting until the speaker completes their thought before responding
- Summarizing the speakers thoughts and repeating it back for confirmation of understanding
- Taking notes when necessary
- Allowing time for feedback (pause and allow the speaker/listener to digest information)
- Look for nonverbal feedback if available
I feel I utilize these methods to various degrees, but hope through writing them down and keeping them on the forefront of my mind I will be more present while listening and in turn more successful in my own communication.
Here are just a few of the courses I hope to attend for the Communication Certification:
- Giving and Receiving Feedback
- Making Meetings Work
- Communicating with Credibility and Diplomacy
Hopefully the above seminars are as fruitful as the introduction.
Do you have tools for effective communication? Do you consider yourself a good listener? Why? Share your thoughts in the comments.
