Becoming a great listenerwith one simple trickNOVA FRANKLIN

I’m really into people…

What they think. What they do. And why.

1.Why it’s important to be a great listener

2.What great listeners do

3.What poor listeners do

4.What gets in the way

5.How to be a great listener

6.Practice makes perfect

Our journey…

One

Why it’s important to be a great listener.• We don’t live in a vacuum. Most of us interact with other

humans every day. We are mothers, lovers, brothers,

children, friends and peers (as well as designers).• People can tell when you are not listening.It makes them

feel uncomfortable. Sometimes they get cross and they

shut down the conversation. Our ability to understand

and connect with them is then diminished.• As a designer (as well as a regular human) this can have

diabolical consequences.• BUT - Magic happens when you really start to listen to

others.

Two

What great listeners do.

• Eye contact• Smiling• Nodding• Open body language• Using words that show they are listening

- e.g. hmm, tell me more, what I just heard you say is…

Three

What poor listeners do.

• Don’t make eye contact• Look at their screens • Have closed body language (e.g., arms or legs crossed)• Appear to not hear what you say• Interrupt• Are too distracted to engage in the conversation

Four

What gets in the way?

• I’m too busy• You are stupid• I don’t like you• I don’t care about what you are saying• I’d rather think my own thoughts• What I have to say is much more important• I can’t wait to tell you what’s on MY mind

Five

Think (but don’t say)…

“This person has something really important to say”

Now it’s your turn!

Practice so you are

able to create a

habit that allows

you to use this mind

hack when you feel

like you are leaning

away during a

conversation

Tweet to let me now

what happens

@menovaf

P.S. Try not to be

creepy