Nonverbal communication, more than just nod or smile, is important. Gestures, appearance, timing, voice responses, facial expressions, spatial distance – all affect how speaker (or interview) interprets listener. So a person preparing for a job or work project interview should consider cultural climate and norms of society of interviewer. In short, perceived active listening based on nonverbal signals can vary from culture to culture.

Especially in this age of such great cultural diversity, be courteous of others regardless of cultural, sexual or societal backgrounds. If you are a woman and get to a door before a man, open it. If your interviewer doesn’t speak English very well and looks puzzled at your words, go back and explain yourself again in different words and re-establish a good communication exchange.

Note: a major part of active listening is paraphrasing. It’s not same as summarizing. A summary is a shortened version of original message, focusing on main point. To paraphrase means to re-state message in your own words.

Active listeners take notes by paraphrasing or restating what speaker said in their own words, and summarizing main points. A good listener is not same thing as a silent listener. Good listeners ask questions, even something like, “Is this an accurate paraphrase of you have said?” to let speaker know that you understand message being communicated.

Roger Clark is senior editor at Top Career Resumes who provide free information to job seekers on all aspects of finding a new job and Medical Health News where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on many medical, health and lifestyle topics.

Shortly thereafter, as brigade proceeded to Gettysburg Chamberlain wondered if men would follow his leadership. As it turned out, one hundred and fourteen soldiers (who had originally planned to mutiny) followed this instrumental leader into battle. All but six men were awakened and made commitment. The rest went on to make history in crucial defense of “Little Round Top” at Gettysburg.

Effective leadership coaching and influence is not a fad. It is a proven technique that has stood test of time. Although terminology and external environments may change, concept is same, people are a valuable resource and they can be influenced. Looking back at Chamberlain’s experience, six men did not make commitment, and in some situations leadership coaching may not always work perfectly. However, as we face modern crucial battles and attempt to build strong organizations, making effort to coach is always worth investment. There are many other instances in history where great leaders utilized some kind of coaching or influence. As leaders today, we face similar challenges that require commitment and sacrifice that only comes from a solid partnership with people. It is as true today as it was back then that “A leader can only achieve excellence through relationships with others.”

If you would like to learn more about leadership coaching and what thousands of managers have learned around the world over the past 25 years, please contact one of our Regional Managers. They can be reached at (801)569-3444 or visit our website.