Listening is one of the most valuable things that you can do in a conversation.

Additionally is one of the most important skills you can have.

How well you listen has a major impact on your job effectiveness, and on the quality of your relationships with others.

For instance:

• We listen to obtain information.
• We listen to understand.
• We listen for enjoyment.
• We listen to learn.

1. Pay Attention
2. Show that you're listening
3. Provide Feedback
4. Defer Judgment
5. Respond Appropriately

Did you know it is possible to damage your hearing?

• A typical conversation occurs at 60 dB – not loud enough to cause damage.
• A bulldozer that is idling (note that this is idling, not actively bulldozing) is loud enough at 85 dB that it can cause permanent damage after only 1 work day (8 hours).

• When listening to a personal music system with stock earphones at a maximum volume, the sound generated can reach a level of over 100 dBA, loud enough to begin causing permanent damage after just 15 minutes per day!
• A clap of thunder from a nearby storm (120 dB) or a gunshot (140-190 dB, depending on weapon), can both cause immediate damage.

My former job was a Submarine Sonar Technician in the Navy.

In the beginning in my path in life I was additionally a Thespian.

(This is a fancy word for actor!)

One of the most important rules that I learned which can be applied to life when in a conversation or in a speech (such as this one) is to always say.....

Yes, and......

This concept has allowed me to better think on my feet and to engage the other individuals in the conversation.

If in a difficult conversation don't be afraid to listen, make statements, and don't be afraid of mistakes.

There are no mistakes, only opportunities to refine your listening skills and grow.

Pro-Tip

Good communication skills require a high level of self-awareness. Understanding your own personal style of communicating will go a long way toward helping you to create good and lasting impressions with others.

Pro-Tip

If you're finding it particularly difficult to concentrate on what someone is saying, try repeating his or her words mentally as he says them – this will reinforce his message and help you to stay focused.