When people express themselves, they want at least two things: they’ve been heard and they’ve been understood. As a good listener, some steps are useful toward good listening.
The first step is cooperating(合作). How does a person know that you’re listening and understanding? In fact, it’s through the way you look and sound while he is talking. You may help him to fully express his thoughts and feelings. You do this by nodding your head in agreement, making certain sounds of understanding.
When the person begins to repeat what’s been said, it’s a signal of step two: turning back. It means that you repeat back some words he is using, sending a clear signal that you’re listening carefully and that you think what he is saying is important.
Having heard what he has to say, the next step is clarifying(变得明晰). At this point, you start to gather information about what is being expressed. Ask some open-ended questions, which will allow you to find out what he wants to be satisfied with.
The fourth step is to summarize(概括) what you’ve heard. This allows you to make sure that both you and the person are on the same page. When you do this, two things happen. First, if you’ve missed something, he can fill in the details. Second, you’ve shown that you’re making an effort to understand completely. This helps get cooperation from him.
After you have listened carefully, you will make sure that his thoughts have been fully voiced. Ask if he feels understood.
When enough sincere listening, questioning, and remembering are brought together, understanding is usually achieved and it’s not so difficult for you to cooperate with him.
Topic |
to be a good listener |
Reason |
People hope they have been heard and when they express themselves. |
steps on listening |
Nod in agreement and make some sounds of understanding while a person is speaking. Repeat some words that you have heard. Ask some open-ended questions and find out his purpose/aim Try to summarize what the person has said Make sure that the person feels from expressing his thoughts. |
Conclusion |
A person will be to cooperate with if understanding is achieved. |