Learn the Art of Listening - How Learning to Listen Will Improve Understanding in Your Relationships

<p>Listening is a skill we mastered early in our lives, isn't it? If we have healthy hearing then surely we are practiced listeners and effective communicators. Not necessarily. Listening is an art and, as such, needs to be learned and practiced. In our culture there is a steady diet of 'noise' available to us. In our homes we have television, radio, computers and music systems. When we step outside we encounter the noise of traffic, the buzz of conversation as well as everything designed to catch our eye.</p><p>We have learned to filter out the 'noise' that holds no interest or meaning for us. In a crowded room you will be aware of conversation as a background 'buzz' until someone says your name. That one sound will be as clear as a bell to your ears. Active listening involves acquiring a similar sharp quality of listening to your communication with other people. But rather than turning up the volume you are aiming to listen at different levels.</p><p>The first level of listening is to the words and their meaning. The next level of 'listening' is about non-verbal cues, mainly facial expression, eye contact or, on the telephone, tone of voice. The deepest level of listening is to the feelings beneath the words expressed. This is often the most difficult to pinpoint for many people. When you start to practice this level of listening, if you know the person well, you can check out your accuracy with them later. Do this tentatively though as you may be wide of the mark. If you can practice listening in this more attentive way, especially in your close relationships, then the other person will feel more respected, valued and understood. Over time your communication will improve and your relationships flourish.</p><p>Download a free report on Creating Core Confidence by visiting <a target="_new" href="http://www.createcoreconfidence.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.createcoreconfidence.com</a> and learn how to develop total clarity about your confident Core Self, strengthen faith and trust in your ability to attract success and expand your creative mind to create the life you desire. Susanne Spencer is a coach, counselor, teacher and writer who inspires people to be accepting, open, curious and creative as they re-connect with who they truly are.</p>