Be a Good Listener - Improve Your Life Through Listening

Being a good listener is not only polite, it is highly recommended in business circles and social situations. While there are some people who are naturally good listeners, for most people, the ability to listen effectively means making an effort to become a good listener. For those who naturally are good listeners, being a good listener is often a result of trial and error. This means that some people may be good at one thing but not another.


Listening involves taking the time to truly hear what another person is saying. Being able to listen effectively means being able to discern the difference between what is said and what is being implied. This is not the same thing as eavesdropping on someone else. The act of listening can be applied to people in any interaction. It is just important to be able to do this in a kind, respectful manner.

When a person can successfully be a good listener, they will give others the time of their lives. Great listeners are always there to just gently listen without interrupting. They are there to give advice when asked, and to gently correct the speaker if necessary. They will give praise when appropriate and will offer criticism only when necessary. Their ability to give feedback leaves the speaker with no doubt that they are doing well and leaves the audience with the impression that the speaker is good at his or her job.

One of the ways that people can show they are a good listener is to never assume that everyone is perfect. People sometimes say things that are just off-color, which make other people uncomfortable. Even when someone is joking, someone can get a little offended. A good listener realizes that everyone has different sensitivities, and that if the person can make the other feel comfortable in the moment, then they have accomplished what any good listener should.

Another way that listening is helpful is that it saves valuable time for the listener. If you sit there silently and do nothing, you waste your time. In order to truly learn something new, you must hear someone say something. By listening to them, you learn something, but you don't have to take the time to simply regurgitate it for your own benefit.

A good listener also has a great sense of timing. If you've ever watched somebody else prepare for a presentation, you know how important this can be. If you can't keep up with what they're saying, then you're not going to learn very much. By listening, you can pick up on the nuances of what they're saying so that you don't have to struggle so much.

Some people can't stand being left out of something that they're interested in. Good listeners are also generally happy for a chance to participate. Even if they don't get to say much, they'll still make the other person feel heard. If you can't listen well in one conversation, it's always a good idea to do two or three different ones. The more you do it, the better you'll become at it.


Be a good listener isn't easy, nor is being a good speaker. But anyone who strives to reach the public should do both. There's no better way to learn than to hear what's being said and to add your two cents in. And even if you can't really talk, sometimes it's still possible to just listen. Use your microphone, practice your pitch and your diction, and practice asking questions and you'll be a much better listener in no time at all.