According to Barbara Greenberg, author of “Achieving Happiness: Change Your Thinking Processes”, to be happy we need to talk less and listen more.
If you make sure to ask questions and show interest in others, they will enjoy the interaction and be more likely to share their thoughts and feelings with you.
If we spend less time talking and instead listen for what makes people feel happy, we’re setting ourselves up to be happier as well. This is a great way to get started on your own happiness journey!
Why Talking Less is Important?
Talking less and listening more is more important than we may think. The more we talk, the less we listen and this can lead to misunderstandings and conflict. One way to help improve those relationships is by talking less and listening more.
People who talk less and listen more are better listeners. They don’t interrupt people as often and they’re less likely to give advice without being asked for it.
It’s a great way to be a mindful listener and have a healthier relationship with people. Communication is all about listening, so why not try talking less? You’ll find that the conversations will flow much easier if you just let them happen naturally.
Benefits of Talking Less and Listening More
1. Helps You Relax and Reduce Depression
A new study found that people are more relaxed if they are listening to someone rather than talking. This research suggests many people are simply more comfortable when they are listening rather than talking, or they may want to hear more before speaking.
The researchers discovered that the brains of these people release serotonin while listening, which has been known to reduce depression and anxiety.
2. Learn From Others by Listening
Many people are guilty of talking more than they listen. Though there is value in speaking your opinion or sharing your story, sometimes hearing someone else’s point of view can help you grow as a person.
Listening to other people is an effective way to learn from others. It helps us understand how we think differently from them, but also allows us to see their perspective on things.
This type of learning will allow you to be better at understanding yourself and those around you. You may even find that the information shared with you could change your own opinions about something.
By being able to hear another person’s side of the argument, it gives you the opportunity to look at situations through different eyes.
3. Makes Your Workplace a Much Better Place
We tend to think that talking is one-sided. Sure, it’s great to be able to say what we want, but if we’re always doing all the talking, how can we truly understand what the other person is feeling?
It’s time for us to be more mindful of what our loved ones are saying–in fact, it’s time for us to stop talking altogether.
Instead of asking questions or giving advice, let’s try listening. Talking less and listening more is an important skill to develop, especially in the work environment.
We all want to make a good impression, but often don’t put in the time to listen to what others are saying. If you really care about your career, take some time out from your busy schedule to learn this valuable communication skill.
You’ll find yourself making better decisions, getting along with co-workers much easier, and even having fun at work!
Tips to Follow While Listening to Others
1. Maintain Eye Contact
In a world where people are constantly talking, it is easy to forget that the art of listening is an important way to connect with those around you. Listening can help build trust and understanding.
Many people avoid eye contact when listening to others, yet this is a great way to show interest and make a connection. Maintaining eye contact when listening can enhance understanding and improve communication skills.
It also shows respect for your listener by acknowledging their presence in conversation. If you find yourself looking away from someone while they speak, try making direct eye contact again.
This will allow them to feel more comfortable speaking about themselves and may encourage them to continue sharing information.
2. Ask Questions
A good listener is a valuable resource in any social setting. Without active listening skills, important clues can be missed and relationships may suffer.
When people share something with you, they are putting the most valuable asset they have on the line–their own reputation. It’s up to you to provide them with a safe environment where they feel comfortable enough to open up and share their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or ridicule.
You should listen carefully and ask questions when appropriate so that you understand what your friend/client has said.
This will help you better prepare for future conversations as well as build trust between yourself and others.
3. Show Genuine Interest
The most important things in life are often complex and nuanced. It is difficult to formulate a single perspective on a given topic in one’s own head before even beginning to discuss it.
How to make friends, how to become a better person, what the meaning of life is- all these topics deserve an in depth discussion with a person who has a perspective that differs from our own.
The best way to have a fruitful discussion is to show genuine interest when listening to others. This means not only paying attention but also asking questions about their point of view.
If you don’t know where to start, ask them for recommendations or advice. You can then follow up by sharing your thoughts after hearing theirs.
It may be difficult at first, especially if they are more experienced than you and seem like experts, but try to keep an open mind and listen carefully.
Conclusion
Many people spend their time talking and never stop to listen. This creates a lot of misunderstandings. Talking less and listening more not only helps you understand the other person but also helps you communicate your thoughts better.
When we do this, it is easier to express our feelings and ideas in a clear way.
We will have fewer problems understanding each other because we both listened well. Hence make a habit of talking less and speaking more.
