When you are communicating, you spend nearly 60 % of your time listening to other people, but most people only absorb 25 % of what they hear. 【小题1】

Be more present.

Do you find yourself looking at your phone or following a TV show during a conversation with a family member or a friend? 【小题2】 You might think you are listening, even if you aren’t looking at the person, but the chances are that your attention is more divided.

Be more inter active.

Being a good listener doesn’t just mean you only let the other person speak. 【小题3】 Allow your questions to take the conversation forward and to leave enough room for the person to continue talking — you don’t want to hurry or pressure the person into saying anything.

Train your emotional intelligence.

The way you are able to manage your own emotions influences your ability to listen to other people. 【小题4】 Learn to understand your own emotions, both the negative and positive feelings and be aware of your reactions when you are listening to someone. Emotional intelligence is especially important when you are listening to a critique (批评). You can’t let your emotions rule too much and even when you get emotional.

Make note of the conversation.

【小题5】 What have you and the other person got out of it? Make a note of the conversation, perhaps even list the key points as you are developing your listening skills. This not only helps you remember the discussion longer, but it also can teach you a lot about yourself and help you further improve your listening as well as communication skills as a whole.