Three Methods for Difficult Listening

The first method for all kinds of difficult listening is to STOP. For the easier situations, simply stop talking, texting, walking, or daydreaming. For the more difficult ones, stop yelling, running, begging, or placating. Get distance. Moderate the voice.

The second method for all kinds of difficult listening is to LOOK. Look at nonverbals. Observe behaviors. Guess at feelings and their possible causes. Look at consequences. Observe results. Become quietly, calmly, hyper-aware of everything.

The third method for all kinds of difficult communication is to LISTEN. Put into practice all the tips and principles presented here under Listening Principles and Listening Language. Watch for further training here, specific to each kind of difficult listening.

For all Six Kinds of Difficult Listening, the methods are Stop, Look, and Listen. These methods do save lives. Next: Applying these methods for managing diversity, persistent ignorance, conflict, generalized anxiety, verbal abuse, and malicious intent.

Copyright 2014 Wilma Zalabak