Have you ever felt ignored?
You're standing there talking to someone, and you can tell they have zoned out. Or maybe you have a co-worker who is a habitual offender,
like this guy ------------>
Feels like crap doesn't it?
Listen with the intent to paraphrase.
Paraphrasing means repeating back to the person what they just said to you in your own words. It might sound like this...
"So if I'm understanding you right, you're saying that...."
or
"What I'm hearing is that you..."
This is a fabulous way to PROVE that you were listening! You'll learn about what they were talking about, and they feel like you care. We all win!
So if you listen WITH THE INTENT to repeat back what they said in your own words, you'll have to engage more of your brain, and it's harder to get sideswiped by the traffic in your head.
So when you're in an important conversation with someone you want to build trust and respect with, plan on paraphrasing, so you stay focused on what they're saying.
(If that doesn't work, watch their mouth while they're talking! It engages the auditory and visual cortex of your brain, and you'll be more engaged. Yes, it sounds creepy, and yes, if they're in a mask, you're sunk, but this is another hack I use when the black flies in my brain are swarming!)
Good luck!
