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thoughts so that you can clear your head and devote all your energy
to the speaker.
Signal to others that you intend to listen. If you have trouble
hearing, lean closer or turn off a nearby radio. If you’re confused by
what you just heard, say so. Don’t keep nodding mechanically or you
may fall further and further behind in the conversation.
Tame a repetitive motor-mouth by jumping in with phrases such
as, “So you want me to…” or “Just to make sure I understand…” If
someone’s appearance, accent or voice tone annoys you, imagine
you’re reading a transcript of the person’s remarks. This will help
you understand the message on its own terms.
Sharpen your listening skills by using these techniques:
Distinguish between 911 and 411 topics: Speakers who make what
they deem an urgent point crave attention. Recognize the serious-
ness of their point by listening well. If they seek information, clarify
what they need and give it to them.

Listen for understanding, not agreement: Make room for differ-
ences in opinion or outlook. Don’t shut down mentally because
someone disagrees with you.
Think “teach me”: Strive to learn at least one fresh fact or insight
from every speaker. This will stoke your curiosity.

“One often hears the remark, ‘He talks too much,’
but when did anyone last hear the criticism, ‘He
listens too much?’”
—Norman Augustine

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