Are You A Good Listener?

Here are some techniques you can use to make sure the personyou're talking to knows he or she has your full attention:

• Don't just nod your head-ask pertinent questions that allowthe talker to expand on or clarify what he or she is saying.
• Resist the natural temptation to make your point while theother person is still making theirs. If you're busy thinkingabout what you're going to say next, you're probably notreally listening.
• If it's appropriate, take notes. This physicallydemonstrates that you're paying attention.
• If follow-up attention is required, don't forget to do soin a timely manner.
• Finally, it may help to think of it this way: Listening issomething you do for yourself; hearing is something you do for theother person.