The power of active listening
Day 2
A person has four choices when talking to another person.
- Actively listen, provide silent feedback like nodding of the head or leaning forward, and ask questions to better understand the person’s perspective
- Think intently on their own next words
- Interrupt the person
- Ignore them and think of other matters
What makes the best impression? Obviously, active listening improves the conversation and your reputation.
Harvard University professors Guy Itzchakov and Avraham Kluger wrote an article for the Harvard Business Review entitled “The power of listening to help people change.”
The professors gave these recommendations for active listening:
- Give 100% of your attention, or do not listen.
- Do not interrupt.
- Do not judge or evaluate.
- Do not impose your solutions.
- Ask more good questions.
- Reflect
The professors said this about listening, “Listening resembles a muscle. It requires training, persistence, effort, and most importantly, the intention to become a good listener.”
A good listener is a good leader. Listening helps the speaker relax, become more aware of personal strengths and weaknesses, and reflect in a non-defensive manner. Your listening helps them grow.
TIP: Conversation improves when balancing talking with active listening.
Show leadership through active listening.
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English speaking 2020 and yinyang
English Speaking 2020 uses the Chinese philosophy of yinyang. It believes opposite forces are complimentary. For example, the moon and stars need the darkness to highlight their beauty.
Our speaking habits often reflect either the moon and stars or the darkness, leaving people unable to see our true beauty.
English Speaking 2020 provides thoughts on balancing the light and dark English-speaking forces within you.
The meditations cover a wide range of English-speaking topics and only take a minute or two to let your moon and stars shine brightly in the darkness.
Here’s to you becoming a more productive English speaker in 2020.
