Are You a Good Listener? Answer each question Yes or No. 1.I am able to empathize with other people’s situations. 2.I avoid interrupting other people when they are speaking. 3.I avoid thinking of how I am going to respond to conversation while someone is speaking. 4.I give people my full attention when speaking with them. 5.I do not try to tell “my story” as soon as someone tells me their story. 6.I avoid thinking I know what speaker is about to say. 7.I maintain good eye contact and body language when speaking with someone. 8.I ask a lot of questions when someone is talking with me. 9.I reflect back feelings and facts, so I am sure I heard person correctly. 10.People often come to me just to talk.

If you answered “Yes” to seven or more questions, you are a good listener. If you answered “No” to five or more, you may need to work on your listening skills.

Get Smart! ØListening is one of most powerful communication tools we have available in our work toolbox.

Speaking qSpeak confidently and directly. qIf asked to give a presentation, rehearse your material and use visual aids to support your ideas. qMaintain good eye contact and body language with your audience. qDon’t preach or try to convince people of your beliefs. Simply state them with conviction and confidence. qWhenever possible, ask a lot of questions. qUse paraphrasing (restating what person has said). qGive speeches, this will show you how to effectively organize and deliver your message.

Working qLearn something new every day. qAsk questions about your job. qLook for ways you “can do” it. qProvide solutions and suggestions, not problems and complaints. qConstantly re-invent yourself. qChoose a goal, then walk like, walk like, look like, think like, act like and be like it.

A word about use of e-mail. E-mail is a faster medium than conventional pen and paper. It produces an instant message. It also is a disposable communication---people usually delete it after reading it. Therefore, if you have something important to say, and/or want message to last, then you should write it old-fashioned way (memo or letter).