Listening means you are able to carry on a conversation, ask questions and interact.
But that doesn't necessarily mean you are paying attention to what's being said!
If you really want to learn how to "pay attention" - have several conversations with children.
Children can make a short conversation very lengthy and sometimes, painfully detailed. Especially if they are trying to convince you of something.
Children take even longer to get to the point and you really have to pay attention so you don't miss anything that they WILL question you about later!
Children don't listen very well either! They will abruptly interrupt if you try to say something before they are done talking or if you start to say something they really don't want to hear.
Children will step directly in front of you and look you in the eye if they sense your attention is diverted.
Children also are quick to ask, "Are you paying attention?" "Yes!!" Then they nail you,
"OK, what did I say?"
Children know what they want to say - they just lack the proper skills to concisely convey the message. You need to be patient, let them express themselves, and don't interrupt.
When children finally sense you have paid attention, showed interest and concern...you are well on your way to them being ready to "pay attention to what you are saying".
And the same applies with some clients.
Next time you think, "Ugh...they weren't hearing me!" ... instead think... did you listen well or did you really pay attention?
Here are five easy tips to help you pay attention to your clients:
- Resist distractions by sitting in front of your clients - making eye contact easy!
- Get your mood ready, prepare to listen and really pay attention to what is being said.
- Have attentive expressions and postures (i.e., lean forward in your chair as your client speaks, clasp your hands together so you don't fidget, etc.)
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When appropriate, ask for clarification to make sure you understand.
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Do your client homework and be prepared to ask questions that weren't already answered.
Copyright Gabrielle (Kamahele) Rhind, protected by COPYSCAPE 2008. If you want to reprint parts of this - just email me for my permission rhindohana@msn.com . Buying or selling Tucson Real Estate? Click info@gabriellerhind.com and let me know how I can help you!
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