Improve Your Listening Skills For Better Communications

As a corporate travel manager, there’s one skill you can learn for free that will increase your value to management and to the employees you serve everyday: active listening. As you listen to the needs of the employees and executives, keep in mind that travel can be a stressful, emotional time and active listening helps you by allowing you to pinpoint what the speaker is trying to say. Here are some guidelines to help you develop good listening skills. These will aid you in being more engaged in conversations and increase your comprehension of people's messages.

Pay attention to the person talking

This means more than looking at him, it means facing him with your full body, turning off or closing any distractions, and looking him in the eye. Let him know you are paying attention to what he has to say. Looking him in the eye doesn't mean you stare them down” , eye contact should be relaxed and not intimidating.

Look for visual clues

Does she look happy, sad, or angry? All of these will help you gain understanding of what the message is she is trying to deliver. These cues can let you know how important the conversation is too the speaker before she even says a word.

Reflect the speaker's feeling back to him

If he is smiling, acknowledge with your own smile or a head nod. If he is angry then keep a serious face and pay attention to what he is angry about. The idea is you are acknowledging his point of view without saying a word. The key here is to not let the speaker's emotions rule your emotions. If he is confrontational and yelling try not to let yourself respond in the same way.

Let the speaker finish

Don't end his sentences, don't immediately dismiss a complaint or observation, just let him get it all out. If he pauses that is the time to ask clarifying questions. Don't interrupt him mid sentence even if it's to let him know you agree with his point.

Once you've heard her and are ready to respond, respond with a quick synopsis of what was just said. Begin with a statement such as, “If I understand you correctly...” or something similar.

Unless you are specifically asked, don't play Mr. (or Mrs.) Know-It-All

Many people are speaking to let out frustrations and anger but they don't expect and may not want a solution. If you absolutely must offer a solution then let the speaker finish. Then gently and professionally offer your idea.

Form a mental picture in your head of what she is saying

If she complains about standing at the baggage claim waiting for her luggage that never showed up, imagine yourself being in the same position and how you would feel. Regardless of what your initial feeling is, keep an open mind toward her ideas and don't block anything out. You'll have time to speak when it's your turn.

Developing great listening skills doesn't cost money and it doesn't require special classes. Re-read these tips and then try and concentrate on doing one or two a day. Everyday somebody is talking you so implement just one or two tips a day until they become habits. Good listening is a noticeable skill, people will see when you are really paying attention to them and their message.