Today we share more tips related to the critical skill of listening.

To improve your listening, remove distractions such as email, cell phone and BlackBerry and focus on attentively listening. Make eye contact, maintain open body posture, smile and nod when appropriate. Paraphrase what you hear and check for understanding before you respond.

For many of us, taking notes helps us resist the temptation to interrupt the other person and ensures we focus on the message and not our own next great statement.

Remind yourself that a pause in a conversation to collect and formulate a response is desirable and preferable to competing for air time.

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