How to be a good listener?

Answer 1

When someone pauses, keep asking very short, "open" questions to keep them talking.

Look intently at the person speaking, but blink regularly and don't stare at them.

Nod your head occasionally.

Answer 2

Normally to be a good listener, you just do your best to comprehend what the other one is saying. To let the other one know that you understood or need clarifying ask questions or make some comment to the situation to show to them that you were paying attention.

Men have the hardest time trying to listen because of two reasons I can think of: 1 is they tried once before and they were getting yelled at by their wife or girl for something they didn't do, and they felt as if they were responsible for it.( Note; women need to vent after a long day and they let lose the flood of emotions so they can clear their head and feel better about the whole situation. 2 men hear from their buddies about their wives getting frustrated and putting it on them so they don't even want to try listening.

When you are listening make eye contact, nod in response to certain aspects, if you don't understand then ask a question.
If its for your girlfriend of wife then just set 10 to 15 minutes aside to let them vent about their day, keep your focus on them and not the football game. because that night, "its not the football game that will make the sparks fly in bed"

hope I could shed some light

-Doc-

Answer 3

Actually listen and don't try to formulate an answer or and opinion while you're listening.