When we think of communication we often think of talking or writing or using some medium to send a message out to others. But a good communicator does more than send messages. They master the art of listening. It is their ability to listen well that helps them to know what to talk about, to whom and how.

The benefits of good listening go beyond the obvious learning that can come from paying attention to what someone is saying. By being an engaged listener, one’s own creativity can be ignited. Ideas that might not have otherwise come about are planted and can begin to grow. Listening is also an invaluable way to show how much you care for someone, and can be a very powerful tool when building or nurturing a relationship – personal or professional.

Try out your listening skills the next time you have the chance to have a conversation. Here are five characteristics of a good listener:
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