|
How Good Are You At Listening? We all enjoy conversation. We tell people about our lives ... we give people advice ... and sometimes we just ramble on to break the silence. But every conversation has two parts: talking and listening. What are you best at?
Most people believe that they are good listeners, however many would be wrong. In fact, if I were to ask the people who you normally talk with (your partner, your child, a friend, a co-worker) if they thought you were a good listener, you may be surprised to hear their answer!
What Studies Reveal...
Recent studies show that most people spend about 45% of the time listening and the other 55% talking. Worse yet, since we think faster than we can speak, we may hear people, but we may not listen to what is being said. For example, how many times during a conversation have you interrupted people, finished people’s sentence or talked at the same time?.
Hearing is not the same as listening. It’s a sensory activity, a physiological process which transmits information to the brain through the ears. Whereas listening is a psychological process which adds meaning to what is being heard.
The fact is; listening is the MOST important part of a conversation.
"We Have Two Ears and One Mouth. We Should Use Them Accordingly.”
Let’s take a look at this situation. You are in a store stopping for a product that you want to buy. You are talking to the seller, asking for some information, but he is not listening to you ... not involved at all in what you have to say ... or what are you thinking? Are you going to trust him? Do you want to buy this product from him? I’m sure you won’t!.
How well we listen plays an important role when it comes to building relationships and trust. When people believe you are really listening they feel more comfortable around you. They sense that you care about them and with share more about how they think and feel.
Trouble is; active listening requires a lot of concentration. You have to be alert and pay attention to the words, actions and expressions of what’s being said. The bad news is that no one can teach us how to listen. It’s a skill that has to be practiced and mastered!
One way to improve your listening skills is through acting. A good actor is a good listener. As an actor, you can’t act very well if you don’t listen to your partner, to the audience, to your director, or to your environment.
Acting involves a lot of exercises that helps develop listening skill. For example, one exercise that you will enjoy doing, only takes about 10 minutes.
You start by closing your eyes for 1 minute and just listen to every sound you hear. Then you open your eyes and write down everything that you heard. Next, try to recognize the sounds that you heard. Try to determine where they are coming from — either inside or outside the room that you are in. The goal is to be as precise as possible when you write it down.
This exercise can be done anywhere and at anytime! Each time do it, try to increase your listening time. Listen to the sounds from outside the room, inside the room and from specific directions surrounding you. The exercise tends to be easier if you are more visual or kinesthetic.
Improve You Relationships By Boosting Your Listening Skills!
At The Body Language Workshop, we have a unique way of teaching people how to become a good listener! By practicing a wide range of exercises, you will develop your listening skills, learn more about yourself, plus so much more! We provide a safe, warm, friendly, and encouraging atmosphere to learn. Not only will you have so much fun, but you will increasing your personal power and impact.
Improvisation skills are a
vital part of everyone’s personal and professional lives. Improvisation allows
you to be a more creative and flexible thinker. It dramatically increases your
listening and reacting skills. And, gives you the exercises to loosen your body
and relax your critical brain.
Join us for the next Body Language Workshop
in London on July 23rd!
46 Oxford Drive,
Magdalen Street,
SE1 2FB
Price: £ 80.00 (VAT Inc.) However you can take advantage of our early bird discount. Book before July 15th and pay only £ 60.00 (VAT Inc.) PLUS, Toastmasters only pay £ 55.00 ... and, if you book bring a friend you can buy one and get the second at ½ price
For more information, please visit us online at http://www.actingadvantage.co.uk
Warmest Regards, François Teyssier
Book your place
now at
www.actingadvantage.co.uk
|
||
|
