20 Ways to become a better listener.

One of the most essential skills a successful salesperson can have is the ability to listen. Unfortunately, the average person listens with an effectiveness rate of about 26%.

Here are twenty ways to improve your listening ability in no particular order.

1. Getting better requires work and practice.
2. Define a purpose. What are you listening for?
3. Avoid distractions.
4. Return from mental tangents.
5. Listen to understand.
6. Remain quiet. Don't chirp.
7. Allow others time to speak. Never interrupt.
8. Avoid judgment. Keep an open mind.
9. Visualize what you hear.
10. Ask questions to check for understanding.
11. Wait for a pause before clarifying.
12. Work to feel what the speaker feels.
13. Listen for what is not said.
14. Notice their body language and eye contact.
15. Listen for context. How does it fit together? What is the meaning?
16. Be curious.
17. Be interested.
18. Be interested. You have to want to listen.
19. Silence is okay.
20. Ask what you want to tell.