7 Laws of Better Listening

What is the first law of better listening?

Spend more time listening.

Fill in the Blank: A skilled listener knows there are no __________ subjects, only bored people.

boring

What should a good listener avoid during a conversation?

Interrupting or anticipating what others will say.

Vocabulary: Quiet attention

The attentive awareness given to another person during conversation.

What does the second law of better listening emphasize?

Finding interest in the other person.

Fill in the Blank: A poor listener rehearses a __________ instead of listening.

response

What is one way to keep the communication path open according to the third law?

Ask open-ended questions.

Question: Why should a listener not fear silence during a conversation?

People often reveal what’s most important after a pause.

Fill in the Blank: Listening involves paying attention to both content and __________.

feelings

What is the purpose of taking notes while listening?

It provides time to evaluate the message and avoid distractions.

Vocabulary: Filters

Built-in biases that affect how we perceive and listen to information.

What is a common difference in listening style between men and women?

Women tend to like more details, while men may tune out details.

Fill in the Blank: Body position can influence __________ during listening.

feelings

What should a listener's posture communicate?

Attentiveness.

Question: How does one's body language impact the perception of communication?

Lack of interest can create or amplify feelings of boredom.

What does the seventh law of better listening address?

Being aware of your filters.

What is the effect of having eye level with the other person during a conversation?

It conveys equality in the communication.

Vocabulary: Note taking

Writing down key information while listening to enhance understanding.

Fill in the Blank: We all have built-in '__________' to filter out what we don’t want to hear.

earlids