The day after Thanksgiving is National Listening Day, a project of StoryCorps, the popular program that records people’s reflections on their life experiences and is sometimes featured on National Public Radio.
StoryCorps is asking people participate to “interview someone you know” by recording interviews in veteran’s hospitals, senior centers, homeless shelters, and other community centers. It’s easy – and fun! Check out the Do-It-Yourself Kit on the website, or watch the video below:
Poor listening is a core contributor to miscommunication and conflict – and that can be very expensive to a business or a relationship. Here’s a short list of how miscommunication can be costly – and thus the savings inherent in honing the listening skills in an organization.
There’s more! What costs can you think of to miscommunication? Are there examples of these costs you can cite in your personal or work life?
Silence. Just silence.
Silence can sometimes be a powerful addition – even a contribution – to a conversation. It is normal to want to say something after the other person has stopped talking. It shows we’re interested, that we’re engaged in the conversation.
But sometimes our urge to say something comes from being uncomfortable with a lull in the conversation. Without really having anything to say in response to someone, we might fill a silence with a short phrase, or change the subject, or a question or comment that might change the direction of the conversation.
Sometimes, just a moment of space – a short silence from the listener – can allow a speaker to continue, clarify, or develop their thoughts. This can be a tremendous contribution to a speaker who may not otherwise have had the “conversational room” for this thinking.
And silence does not mean we are not communicating! With our nonverbal communication, such as eye contact, facial expressions, and gestures, we can clearly communicate we are listening, and avoid cluttering the conversation with filler that may distract the speaker from what they would naturally say next.
In Listening 101, one of the practice opportunity early on relates to getting comfortable with the silence in a conversation. Later, we explore what can be said that might break a silence but can keep the speaker following their own train of thought.
Practice: Choose 2 conversations today and practice listening with only your nonverbal communication. If the other person stops speaking, let the silence be!
Listening 101 is proud to offer a new 1-on-1 Communications Excellence Coaching program, designed to give individuals a professional and personalized month-long training in listening and speaking in work, family, and social situations.
Trained Communications Excellence Coaches work closely with an individual to evaluate current listening habits, strengthening what works well and adding knowledge and skills from Listening 101. Bad habits are identified and replaced with effective listening and speaking skills.
Note: Coaches are Not Cheerleaders!
Coaches are teachers and trainers, committed to each individual getting honest and direct feedback on what will improve their ability to listen effectively in many situations.
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