This is something that most of us don't do very well -- listen carefully. It is often one of the biggest complaints wives have about their husband's: "You don't listen to me!"
There is actually a little debate going on about who are the best listeners, but we're not going to get into that one right now. Just remember that good listening habits can help you to build good social and business relationships. Everybody loves a good listener.
And it is something writers and speakers especially, need to develop. It can be critical in gathering ideas for speeches or ideas to illustrate those speeches from others around you. It is also important when you are interviewing experts who you want to quote or paraphrase in your presentation to support your ideas.
You don't want to be like that reporter to who goes to all of the trouble to line up an interview with a worlds-renowned scientists or political leaders and then infuriates the person by not listening closely and ends up misquoting him. This happens so often that many celebrities, business leaders, and politicians are reluctant now to give interviews.
Put everything else out of your mind when the person is speaking. You all of your senses to create as many sensory images of what they are talking about as possible and ask questions to clarify what you have just heard if you are not quite sure what the person really said.
Such good listening practices can also be invaluable if you are giving a very interactive presentation with a lot of conversation between you and your audience. This will help you to fine tune your presentation as you see how they have understood what you have just said and correct any misunderstandings.
Good listening habits listening are priceless skills in both your family, social and professional life. Practice them.
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