Do you want to let the other person know that you are listening? Have you always felt that when you are trying to be present for the person that you are really not connecting with them? Have you ever thought that you could be more effective at connecting with someone else when you let them know that you are listening? Have you been wondering why this feeling never seems to go away? If so then there are a few reasons why you need to let people know that you are listening.
First, you have to let the other person know that you are interested in what they have to say. You do not want to waste your time or effort by speaking for yourself or responding to their questions with, "I don't think that would be good." This will never get you anywhere. When you begin a conversation you want to make sure that you are truly involved with the other person and that they feel connected to you as well.
Second, you want to let them know that you have their best interests at heart. No one likes to feel that they are being talked down to or that they are being taken advantage of. When you are listening you want to let the other person know that you are open to listening to what they have to say but that you are also going to listen to what they want to say. This may be counter-intuitive to the way that you normally behave.
Third, you want to let the other person know that you can take direction. People are more likely to open up to you when you are able to take direction and speak clearly and without having to hesitate. Sometimes you will not always know where to start especially when the person is emotionally closed. However, it is important to start where they are. Simply asking the question will allow you to hear what they are saying and then you can decide how you are going to respond.
Next, you need to listen to the person and determine what is communicating from them. If they are just stating the facts and you can clearly see that they are not giving you any information, you do not need to further ask for information. However, if the other person is sharing some personal feelings or thoughts, you can begin to give them feedback on what they are saying. Do not let them feel intimidated by this. You are there to help them, not hurt them. Once they feel that you are listening to them and that you are connecting with them on a level that they can understand, then they will be more willing to share.
Finally, you want to let the other person know that you are interested in what they have to say. People are more willing to talk to someone that they like, not to someone that is boring or seems like they do not have any real interest in what they have to say. Be friendly and start conversation; do not sit there staring at them trying to determine whether or not they are talking about you. This behavior does not make a person like you; it makes them less likely to talk to you in the first place.
When you follow these three simple steps, you will be able to start a conversation with anyone. The most important thing to remember is to be polite and kind. There is no need to become argumentative or rude. The more level-headed you remain, the more likely that you will be able to successfully let the other person know that you're interested in what they have to say.
If you find yourself unable to let the other person know that you're listening to them, then you may want to consider following this procedure with another person. You never know who you may run into. This will allow you to meet people that you may have had a difficult time meeting in the past. Remember that you want to keep your communication positive. Being polite and making eye contact will also help you to get across the message that you are interested in what they have to say.
