Have you ever met someone who cannot resist flaunting their knowledge. They interupt what you and anyone else is saying. They give you odd facts that do not belong in the conversation. They even help you finish your own sentence. Oh my!.  Is this annoying person you? No–of course not. But, let’s face it: It can be difficutl to be a good listener.

We have all drifted off into our own thoughts when we are supposed to be paying attention to what someone else is saying. Maybe it’s because the subject matter is boring or the person is speaking in a monotone; maybe we’re distracted by some personal matter that worries us. Or sometimes it is because we are busy thinking of our response. Whatever it is, you can learn to be a better listener. Try these listening tips:

• Listen more than you talk.
• Stay focused on what the other person is saying—not on what you’re going to say next. Don’t plan a story you want to tell while the person is still talking.
• Do not another person’s sentence.
• Resist the urge to dominate the conversation. (see first tip)
• Don’t interrupt, but do give appropriate feedback.
• Mirror back short summations of what the other person is saying to keep your mind from moving on to other subjects and to assure the other person that you’ve understood what he or she has been saying. 

And finally…just listen.