You’ve been caught. You’re in a conversation, and rather than listening, you were focusing on an upcoming deadline or meeting. It’s OK; we’ve all been there.
PR pros have become accustomed to the instability of frequent shifts and changes. However, it is crucial that we focus on the things we can control—including actively listening.
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How can we be better listeners? Here a few helpful tips to try out:
1. Maintain eye contact. Don’t make it into a staring contest, but keep a healthy level of eye contact to let the speaker know you’re paying attention. According to a study conducted by Cornell University, maintaining eye contact builds a connection between two people. To avoid distractions, put your phone away and shut off your laptop.
2. Listen between the lines. Nonverbal communication resonates as much as verbal exchanges do. When listening, pay attention to facial expressions, tone of voice and gestures. Sometimes a speaker means one thing, but their body language says something else. Picking up on these cues can bring a more well-rounded understanding of what someone is saying.
3. Don’t interrupt. When an idea or solution comes to mind, we try to get it out as quickly as possible before we lose it. Interrupting someone sends the message that you don’t care what that person has to say, which can cut a conversation short. This action could ultimately lead to you missing out on important information you could have received if you would have held your comment and listened.
4. Give regular feedback. Let the speaker know that you’re listening by reflecting their feelings. “That’s exciting!” “I’m so sorry to hear that.” “I understand why you must be confused.” You can also give the occasional nod and “hmm” to show that you are indeed paying attention.
The next time you strike up a conversation, integrate these practices into your listening. You will be amazed at how much more you can pick up from a conversation.
As active storytellers, it is important that we get our client’s story right the first time before we tell it to the world. To do that, we must first listen.
Nicole Morgan is a senior studying public relations and international studies at the University of Alabama. She is an editorial writer for Platform Magazine and an account executive for the university’s student-run firm Capstone Agency.
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