by Gabby Bugwadia

Created on: March 17, 2010   Last Updated: November 07, 2010

One can instinctively recognize a good listener. He is a person who instantaneously communicates genuine interest, understanding and respect to the speaker. By listening intently, he makes a positive connection with the speaker. 

It is primarily by active listening that we can enrich our lives and lives of all those whom we come in contact with daily, in our life's journey. Listening is the prime element in effective communication; it enables us to connect to each other. 

Here are some pointers to help you recognize a good listener:

-Maintains eye contact

A good listener is adept at making eye contact. He looks at you directly and conveys effortlessly that he is truly interested in what you are saying.You can easily recognize a good listener as he makes you feel important and your words worth listening to.

-Tenders appropriate responses

By tendering appropriate responses with an occasional nod of approval or appreciation, a good listener sends the message that he is genuinely interested to what is being said by you. By allowing you to complete what you have to say without interruption, a good listener silently conveys, "I appreciate what you are saying."

-Pays full attention

A good listener is ever ready to give you his full attention. This flatters your ego and raises your self-esteem. He wholeheartedly makes you feel good about yourself and indirectly encourages you to do better.

-Spurs enthusiasm

 A good listener leads you on and spurs your enthusiasm to continue with whatever you have been saying. By doing so, he deftly builds your self-confidence. He further enhances your communicative skills by making you feel special while silently conveying, "you are worth being listened to."

-Behaves amicably

A good listener is sensitive to the feelings of others and behaves amicably at all times.  He has a keen sense of empathy; he takes time to address individual concerns and is quick to express sympathy whenever needed.

-Demonstrates caring

A good listener genuinely cares. He is ever ready to lend his ears. He is eager to touch your life and wordlessly motivates you to succeed. By doing so, he clearly stands out from the rest.

-Seeks to empower

A good listener cannot escape recognition as he magically empowers the speaker. He is consistently popular with his fellow men as he is ready to understand the needs of those in his company.

-Conclusion

Active listening enhances all relationships. An active listener plays a pivotal role; he could easily be a strong leader and motivator; and could hold an important place in any family, society, country and in the world.The right dynamics between the speaker and the listener is vitally important.

A good listener can indeed, make a significant contribution in the development and success of all human endeavors. As Calvin Coolidge wisely said, "It takes a great man to be a good listener."

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