Identify the emotional elements and the perceptions that drive the speaker

Pay attention to the speaker's tone, gestures and body language

Put yourself in the shoes of the speaker

Do not interrupt the process

Maintain good eye contact

Respond to the speaker in words or through actions

Note the discrepancies between what people say and how they act

Be aware of your feelings and physical reactions

Avoid causing distractions to the speaker

Position yourself at an appropriate distance

Despite the efforts taken to improve your listening skills, make it a habit for the lifetime, so that listening becomes a delightful activity. Listening is a continuous activity that is performed in every stage of the conversation. It may be through a telephone, mass media, or in person, but it influences the messages conveyed in the communication process. With adequate knowledge and constant practice, one can certainly feel listening is made easy. Good listening skills are at the heart of effective and meaningful communication. So in order to speak better and write better, you must listen!

Concluded.

* Mrs. Thamaraiselvi Rajmohan is currently involved in Ph.D. Thesis on Gender Communication, and has been freelancing to magazines and journals since 1990. Earlier, she has had industrial experience as an Executive in marketing & finance area, teaching experience in business schools, also experience of corporate teaching & training in management areas.