Effective listeners are better able

Effective listeners are better able to understand the messages conveyed in the way they were intended. This means that more often than not, the person who paid full attention with what has been conveyed is more likely to have a better appreciation of what the speaker intended to say. To be an effective listener, there are a number of good habits to adopt. These include:•Paying attention to the speaker’s body language and observing slight nuances in speech •Asking questions •Allowing speakers to take their time in speaking their thoughts•Allowing speakers to complete what they are saying before offering an opinion of suggestion•Maintaining a calm, poised and emotionally controlled demeanour during the communication process•Being alert and interested in what is being said •Showing attention by nods and appropriate verbal encouragements such as ‘uh-uhms’.