How to Become a Fantastic Listener

Why Listening Is the Most Underrated Skill in the World (and How to Master It)

I’ve seen this repeatedly—people breaking down because I listened.

That’s the power of good listening.

“How are you?” I asked.

“Fine, thanks.” She said.

But I didn’t accept her superficial answer.

I said, “Are you sure? Because the last time we spoke, I felt you might be going through something.”

She Starts Crying

Her father had stage 4 cancer.

Being attentive like that can allow you to step deeply into someone’s heart.

I was on a date.

It was going alright, but I could tell that something was off.

I could see it in her eyes.

I might crack a joke, and she would laugh, but there was a sadness behind the smile and laughter.

“Are you sad?” I ask.

“No…” She said.

I study her eyes for a few moments.

“No,” I said. “You are sad.”

She starts to cry.

It was a profound and powerful moment.

That simple exchange transformed her from being a stranger to a dear friend.

When nobody else picks up on the signals they’re putting out, but you do…

You get a visceral response.

There’s a deep bonding that happens.

She neve…