Eight World Class Tactics in Listening Excellence

1. Engage with level two listening moving to level three as soon as possible, giving full awareness and concentration toward the person who is speaking.

Do not look out of the window or at what else is going on in the room. Rid yourself of fidgets and distractions.

2. Set your mind to being totally focused.

It can be easy to let your mind wander if you think you know what the person is going to say next, but you might be wrong! If you feel your mind wandering, change the position of your body and try to concentrate on the speaker's words. Empty your mind by floating your tongue in you mouth, this has a direct connection to your thoughts and will switch them off much like a light. (this is a strategy from sleep research)

3. Let the speaker finish before you begin to talk.

Speakers want to be heard and have the chance to say everything they would like to say without being interrupted. When you interrupt, this behaviour is interpreted as if you are not listening, and it is true, you are not giving your whole attention to the speaker, but you are listening, to yourself. This is level one listening and will loose you that sale, irritate your audience and leave you with the reputation of someone to be avoided.

4. Let yourself finish listening before you begin to speak!

It is impossible to listen at level three when you are busy thinking about what you want say next. When another speaks and you have thoughts in your mind you are in level one listening, and that is self-absorbed listening, stop yourself by floating your tongue in your mouth as in point two. Relax and feel the energy and dynamics behind the words to access level three listening.

5. Listen for main ideas.

The main ideas are the most important points the speaker wants to get across. They may be mentioned at the start or end of a talk, and repeated a number of times. Concentrate on statements that begin with phrases such as "My point is..." or "The thing to remember is..."

6. Ask questions.

If you are not sure you understand what the speaker has said, just ask.

7. Give feedback.

Sit up straight and look directly at the speaker. Now and then, nod to show that you understand. At appropriate points you may also smile, frown, laugh, or be silent. These are all ways to let the speaker know that you are really listening. Remember, you listen with your face as well as your ears!

8. Build deep

People want to feel at ease and comfortable in your company, which gives them permission to be open, flexible and accommodating to you and to respond with a resounding Yes! to your requests. Rapport is the most important characteristic in 'unconscious' human interaction. It is commonality of perspective, being in "sync", being on the same wavelength as the person you are presenting to. Rapport is the transference of emotional energy and meaning from one person to another. Rapport is the innate intelligence behind attaining the ability of level three listening.