Studies show that many of us spend 70-80% of our waking hours engaging in some form of communication. Of that time, we spend 9% writing, 16% reading, 30% speaking, and 45% listening. With listening making up the bulk of our communication skills, it’s surprising to see that according to many studies, it’s the weakest part of our culture’s ability to communicate.
As a presenter, you have probably spent the bulk of your training learning how to speak, but at Ethos3, we want to give you four tips to grow your ability to listen.
Keep yourself focused.
In our fast-paced culture, focusing on what a person is saying is difficult. We are always on to the next event and worried about the next meeting, but if we want to become great listeners, we must learn to block out the distractions and focus. This gives us the ability to really hear what someone is sharing. Try asking open-ended questions which will force you to keep up with the conversation.
Turn over your technology.
One of the quickest ways to lose focus when engaging in a conversation is the buzz of a text or the bing of an email. If you want to become a great listener, turn over your technology when engaging in a conversation. Silence your watch, tablet, and other devices to disengage from the distraction and stay in the moment.
Look for uniqueness.
One way to ensure you stay engaged in a conversation is to listen for unique things about each person you are in conversation with. Listen for their story, interests, family, or any other specific fact about this person. This will help you connect with them at a human level rather than a transactional level and make it easier to remember details later as well.
Make strong eye contact.
When you make eye contact, you communicate that you value the other person. You let them know that what matters to you in that moment is your conversation. Eye contact also ensures that you are focused on the conversation and listening to the other person.
Create a distraction-free environment.
While you may be technology free, that does not mean your environment is distraction free. If you are looking to become a better listener, strategically place yourself in areas that are distraction free. If there are TVs in the room, turn your back to them; if the music is loud, find a quieter hallway. Minimizing distractions will help you stay focused and engaged with your conversation.
Learning to listen is a skill that every presenter must learn to master. With listening making up such a large portion of our communication, it’s vital that you not just become a great presenter but become a great listener. If you can learn this skill, your audience will know that you care more about them than about what you have to say, which will elevate your engagement and increase your likeability.
Looking to learn more about elevating your presentation delivery? Check out the Presentation Mentor online course today.
