How can I be a more effective listener?

[SAVS]

1) Set The Stage For Listening

– Stop whatever else you are doing.

- Turn to face the speaker and make eye contact.

-Lean slightly towards the speaker.

You want your body language to send the message that you are receptive to the speaker’s message.

2) Appropriate Advancement

As the speaker speaks, make appropriate comments that advance the conversation.

- Use advancers: "Ok,..Right, ..Really, ..Are you serious...Is that a fact...Go on...Yeah? "

3) Visualise
- make a mental image for everything you hear. This will help lock it into your memory.
- Remembering from the other post the more absured and/or structured the easier it is to retain.


3) Summarizing & Playback
- make mirroring playback statements - repeat what they say in different words.

"So, let me see if I have understood that correctly,..."

"So would I be correct in saying that..."

"My understanding is that.. "

4) Question and Expand.

Add value to the conversation by asking questions that help the customer clarify his or her own thoughts and ideas and expand on them.

"Can you tell me more about how.."

"How exactly is that implemented..."

"How is that done today.."

"Can you elaborate on.."