Listening Principles

do more listening than talking.  This shows we want to build a relationship and not just make a sale.

Maintain Eye Contact with the person talking.

Be sensitive to what is being said. Observe body language for incongruent messages.

Practice Patience. Do not interrupt, finish the speaker's sentence, or change the subject.

Listen empathetically and listen to understand. Act as if there will be a quiz at the end.

Clarify andy uncertainties after he or she has spoken. Make sure you understood what was said by rephrasing what you heard.

Don't jump to conclusions or make assumptions. Keep an open and accepting attitude.

Practice Pure Listening. Remove all distractions

Turn off your mind and "be with" the speaker. Try to see things from his or her perspective.