We all love to voice our opinion, but do we ever really take the time out to listen to what the other person is trying to say? Sultaneh Naeem, Founder of TWIG and Personal Growth & Leadership Expert provides her tips for better listening.

Intentional Listening
Really listening is what Naeem calls “Intentional Listening”. “Intentional Listening expresses awareness of the thoughts and feelings of the other person’s communication and what they are trying to convey,” she says and is an expression of compassion, respect, and understanding of what the other person needs to express while also providing a safe space for communication and sharing.
Why It Matters According to Sultaneh, by Intentionally Listening, we eliminate any energy of competition, intimidation, conflict, and emotional manipulation. It brings harmony, kindness, and an awareness of what is needed to be realized, while also bringing people together on an equal level.

Tips to Becoming a Better Listener

• Be intentionally aware of the purpose of the communication and your part in it.
• Pay attention to both your body language and the other person’s body language and tone of voice as they convey most of our attitude.
• Remember, it’s a sharing experience. There is no need to be imposing, forcing judgments or just being right.
• Make sure you fully understand the points the other person is making before jumping into any conclusions and assumptions.
• Be aware of the time you take so you don’t monopolise the whole conversation and turn it into a monologue.
• Ask intelligent meaningful questions so the other person has the benefit of clarifying what they want to say or express.
• Set your intention on being a presence of goodness for a mutually enlightened and beneficial experience.