Google Agra: Guidelines For Listening Well (focus on study tips)

Guidelines For Listening Well

Prior to listening:

• stop whatever you were doing
• arrange the chairs comfortably, eg: in ten-to-two format
• ideally, sit in comfortable/easy chairs
• remove any barriers between you - eg: don't sit on the other side of a desk
• ensure there will not be any interruptions - close the office door and put your phone on divert
• If you anticipate making notes, get the person's permission. Be aware that this may formalise the discussion and thereby restrict the openness of information you may be given.

As the person is speaking:

• Focus completely on what the person is saying. Don't do any other activity or think about any other topic.
• Mentally note the main points they are making, ready for summarising.
• Listen not only to the words that are said, but also the tone of voice and body language - eg: if they are nervous, excited, depressed.
• If any relevant points occur to you, don't say them immediately - keep them on a separate mental list of your own ideas, for use at an appropriate point.
• Don't think about your own ideas so that you end up not listening, or forgetting what the person has said.
• Don't interrupt.
• Don't ask questions (questions are a push or pull, not active listening).