As we all know, effective listening is just as important as clear speaking when it comes to to good communication.   Although many of us are aware of the importance of good listening, sometimes we (even the best communicators) forget the basics of great listening. Travis Bradberry, wrote a great article entitled The 7 Things Great Listeners Do Differently.  Bradberry is the Co-author of Emotional Intelligence 2.0 and President at TalentSmart.  The article serves as a good reminder of the 7 things that you (and I) can do to become and maintain great listening skills.

As you read these tips, think about what you can do differently to become a more effective communicator. The key to good listening is to focus on the speaker and not what you want to say next. 

Here is a summary of the list: 

1. Put away your phone 
2. Ask good question
3. Practice reflective listening
4. Use positive body language
5. Don’t pass judgment
6. Keep your mouth shut
7. Bringing it all together

To read Travis Bradberry's full article click here

Listen out for these.  If you haven't used them before, I challenge you to use one today. 

​Langara College, Continuing Studies, offers a 6-week full time Retail Sales Associate Language Training Program. This government funded training program is intended to prepare immigrants for entry into the retail industry. The training will increase your occupational specific language skills and enable you to work effectively as a Retail Sales Associate. Learning activities and practice are built into each course to assist in moving participants up to CLB Level 5 or above. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive a Certificate in Retail Sales Associate Language Training Program from Langara College.

To reserve your seat, please contact Molly Chow at 778-668-1385 or email her at mchow@langara.bc.ca.

Are you communicating effectively? Is the listener actually receiving your message? Effective communication skills are required in every profession. As people begin to advance in their careers, effective communication skills become increasingly more important.

Learn how effective communication can increase your confidence and clarity.  Become an effective team member who makes a significant impact in the workplace and maximizes contributions to the organization.

This engaging and interactive workshop is designed to provide you with a set of tools and resources to incorporate effective communication skills into your workplace. Participants have an opportunity to practice their new skills and receive specific feedback to enhance their speaking, listening, non-verbal and email communications within the workplace.

For more information and registration click here:

Living in Canada we typically follow the General American accent. Have you tried pronouncing these 10 words lately?