Hmmm... Now What Does He Mean By That?
Author: Joseph Plazo

The aim of decent listening is to gain maximum understanding.
Many people home in only to the words of a speaker or to the
body language or the timbre of voice and fail to listen to the
entire message. To grasp a message, each of these is important.

I recommend that to hear the entire message:

1. Ponder the specific words the speaker is saying. Read
between the lines and take note of context.

2. Establish eye contact with the speaker. It is impossible to
read body language without looking at the speaker. Eye contact
conveys that you are listening. Eye contact says "I respect
what you are saying"

3. Employ your mind to read his body language. You may
intuitively understand it because much of what is sent
nonverbally is subconsciously understood. If you think your
emotions are coloring your understanding, do an awareness
check. Reserve judgement till after the discussion.

4. Observe facial expressions and note how the speaker uses his
hands and arms. These will betray information on his nonverbal
communication.

5. Pay heed to his tone of voice. Is there consistency with his
words? Or do you espy lapses ?

6. Interpret the entire message when he has done. Respond to
what you think he is saying and then listen carefully to his
response to you.

Here's an exercise that can skyrocket your communication
skills. The next time you visit starbucks, select a quiet spot.
Order a mocha frappuccino and partially cover your face with a
newspaper. Now, observe as people walk in. Watch how they
communicate... the gestures they use, the experessions that
cross their face.

Observe how certain, words, deeds and posture contribute to
rapport- or destroy it.

Adapt your own behavior to what you observe! Emulate those that
you feel will bolster understanding and rapport.

About The Author: Joseph Plazo is a renowned success coach.
http://www.powerconsultants.net http://xtrememind.com