Chapter 8: Communication and presentation 181The tell-tale signs of a good listener:
- paying close attention to others when they are talking
- taking an interest in someone you meet for the first time, trying
to find an area of mutual interest - believing everyone has something of value to teach or impart
to you - setting aside a person‘s personality/voice in order to concentrate
on what they know - being curious in people, ideas and things
- encouraging a speaker (with nods or eye contact)
- taking notes
- knowing one’s own prejudices and working at controlling
them to ensure listening continues - being patient with poor communicators
- not being told you don’t listen
- having an open mind in respect of other peoples’ points of view
Listening skills centre on the five following attributes:
1 Being willing to listen
2 Clearly hearing the message
3 Interpreting the meaning (the speaker’s meaning, not
only your interpretation)
4 Evaluating carefully (suspending judgement at first but
then assessing value and usefulness)
5 Responding appropriately – remembering communication
is a two-way street.