What is listening?

Remember, it is not hearing. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines listening as follows:

1: to pay attention to sound (listen to music)

2: to hear something with thoughtful attention: give consideration (listen to a plea)

3: to be alert to catch an unexpected sound (listen for his step)

Skillsyouneed.com defines listening as "paying attention not just to the story but how it is told to you. How language and voice is used. How the speaker uses his body while speaking."

So in a nutshell, verbal and non-verbal messages. To what extent we perceive and understand these messages, then we can measure the quality of our listening skill.

How Much Listening Do We Do?

(pic source: skillsyouneed.com)

As our graphic shows, we spend 70% of our time communicating. Probably most of the other 30% we are asleep. Are we aware of our own communication styles and what impact it is having on those observing and listening to us? How much of that 70% is listening? Researchers believe that 45% of our communication time is spent listening. Hence it is a crucial skill to master.

So, are you ready for 10 tips to become a better listener? Here goes. Remember, they aren't in rank order, since they are all equally vital. What is the first tip for effective listening?