The first time I read management consultant Stephen R. Covey’s comment that “communication skills are the most important skills in life” I smirked. I thought he was wrong, dead wrong. But after a little bit of life and business experience, I’m persuaded he was correct.
We have years of practice in reading, speaking, teaching, or in selling but only therapists or psychiatrists have any training in listening. Let’s discuss now how you can improve your listening as well as what do to either change it, roll with it, or understand it.

Pay Attention to Body Language

Body language is a literal language that is ever speaking volumes to those savvy enough to comprehend. In the therapeutic offshoot known as Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), there is a dictum called the “half-second rule.” This rule basically means this: In any communication event, the listener will respond to your comment or question within half a second — nonverbally. This response is especially heightened in tense conversations. Try it out for yourself. Pay particular attention to skin response in the face and neck. Observe facial expressions too, they speak volumes.

It may seem to be a contradiction but believe it or not the more attention you pay to nonverbal responses, the more heightened is your awareness and the more you observe. Experiment with it and you’ll see.

https://www.guideempire.com/how-to-improve-your-listening-skills-the-key-to-increased-interpersonal-effectiveness/