How to Show and Tell Your Listening Skills

According to Forbes, having a face-to-face interaction with just one person leads up to 10,000 nonverbal cues in less than one minute. Part of the actual words you speak, your body movement, facial expressions, and voice tone express your message and intentions. So, what message are you trying to convey?

Reflect on how to show and tell your listening skills

Learning how to show and tell your listening skills is fundamental in developing and honing your communication skills. Start by simply taking a moment to reflect.

What are your go-to nonverbal cues?

Exercises to help you show and tell your listening skills

Now, it's time to put your reflection into action. Finding opportunities to implement your communication skills can allow you to show and tell your listening skills.

• Use empathetic mannerisms during a conversation. Consider sitting up straight, softening your eye contact, and nodding to show your peer that you’re paying attention.
• Avoid showing disapproving body language like scrunching your eyebrows. Instead, let the presenter completely share their ideas before asking follow-up questions.
• Know when to appropriately interject when a peer is speaking. Jot down any follow-up questions and wait until the end to ask.