The majority of communication problems occur simply because people frequently listen with the intent to react and reply – not to understand. Efficient communication is a necessity for all relationships to operate positively which of course makes people who don’t know how to listen a REAL challenge to work with.
How to Communicate with People Who Don’t Know How to Listen
“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” —Stephen R. Covey.
Whether they don’t listen because they’re always on the defense or they don’t read their emails accurately, people who don’t listen are exhausting. Here are a three ways to communicate with people who don’t listen.
#1. Ask questions.
Whenever you need to explain something in detail to a familiar culprit who doesn’t listen, frequently stop to ask if they have questions. Asking questions helps trigger their cognitive skills so that they can ask for clarification and minimize future back and forth.
#2. Ask for their input.
Communication is a two-way street. Ask them for their input in the conversation – their thoughts, feelings or ideas to help them process your words more efficiently in order to give you feedback.
#3. Try different methods of communication.
We all learn differently. There are 5 common types of learners in the world; auditory, visual, verbal, logical and physical. Ask he or her how they find it most comfortable to listen and learn. Tailoring how you communicate with them to their preferred learning style could save a great deal of wasted time repeating yourself and frustration. For example, if they can’t listen or follow step-by-step instructions, can you show them, visually or physically, what you’re trying to communicate verbally?
