Habits of exceptionally good listeners

Those who have the ability to listen to people without judging or criticising others are known to be real gems. In fact, it is quite rare to find a really good listener who can sit quietly and listen to a person vent out their problems and frustrations. Such people are very patient, kind and understanding when it comes to acknowledging and reacting to other people’s feelings. Here are some of the habits that exceptionally good listeners follow.

Exceptionally good listeners give their full attention to the speaker. They don’t let distractions come in the way and make eye contact with the speaker. They avoid multitasking or interrupting the conversation. They concentrate on the speaker's words, tone, body language, and emotions to get the full context of the message.

Good listeners ask open-ended questions that encourage the speaker to elaborate on their thoughts and feelings. They ask questions that require more than a simple yes or no answer. This habit helps them to gain a deeper understanding of the speaker's perspective and creates an atmosphere of trust and openness.

They never judge and avoid preconceived notions or biases. They are open-minded and accept different opinions, values, and beliefs. This habit creates a safe space for the speaker to express themselves freely without fear of criticism or rejection.

Good listeners paraphrase and summarise the speaker's thoughts to make them know that they have listened to them throughout. They use their own words to restate the key points, ask clarifying questions, and provide feedback. This clarifies any type of misunderstandings.

They put themselves in others’ shoes and acknowledge the person's emotions, feelings, and experiences. They validate the person’s feelings and also offer support. This helps them to build stronger relationships and empathise with the person who’s venting out to them.

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