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With all the modern technology we have for communicating with each other, even worldwide, most people have forgotten how to communicate clearly with someone standing right next to them. Listening has become a lost art.

That’s too bad because knowing how to listen effectively can have many benefits. It can strengthen personal and professional relationships, help your marriage, and boost your career.

Consider using these listening techniques the next time someone wants to talk with you:

Please give them your undivided attention. Your other activities during a conversation show the other person how important they are to you. When you pay attention only to them, not only does it uplift them, but you’re also more likely to understand whatever they’re saying and prevent miscommunications entirely.

· Stop whatever else you’re doing.

· Put away your phone.

· Turn off other distractions, such as the TV.

· Please stay present, listening to what they’re saying. Avoid the temptation to let your mind wander to other things (like what you’ll eat for supper) or move forward to formulate what you’ll say next.

Make eye contact. Failure to keep eye contact can make it seem like you aren’t paying attention to the conversation. One trick to help you maintain eye contact is focusing on just one person’s eyes at a time.

You can occasionally look away so it won’t appear like you’re staring at them. Once you look away, though, bring your focus back to them quickly so you won’t get distracted by something else. Also, this cues them that you’re still listening.

When they stop talking, first summarize what you just heard them say. Repeating will help you clarify their meaning. Let them agree with your summary or make changes if they need to. It will then be possible for you to add your perspective, thoughts, or any questions you may have.

Ask questions. If you need help understanding what is said, ask for clarification instead of trying to read someone’s mind. Questioning will avoid assumptions and misunderstandings.

· Asking appropriate questions also lets them know you were listening intently and trying to understand their perspective.

· Avoid interrupting. However tempting it is to jump in with comments or solutions, keep quiet until they stop speaking, and it’s your turn.

Sometimes, people want to vent and get their issues off their chests. Let them finish. They’ll appreciate you, which may help them relieve their stress about the problem. By saying nothing, you can help them feel better!

Remember, others won’t always be able to recall everything you say in a conversation, but they’ll likely remember how you made them feel. These daily easy listening techniques can uplift those around you, avoid misunderstandings, and strengthen relationships.

Your partner, friends, boss, and clients will be impressed. Reap the benefits of knowing the lost art of listening!