There are times I wonder if it is good that we cant read the minds of people who are around us. How many times have your thoughts wandered off, far away from your existing surroundings. An absolutely useful art if you are attending too many meetings..but truly obnoxious when applied in personal life.
The simplest trick that any communications trainer will give you (yea...I have been through enough of those corporate sponsored sessions..) is "BE PRESENT". Like Dale Carnagie says "Nothing flatters someone like your complete undivided attention." (in "how to make friends and influence people") It is applicable not just when you are face to face with a person but also when you are on a phone and now when in a net-meeting or a chat.
But there is another aspect of it. Applies more to our personal interactions. You might want to be elsewhere, with someone else but letting your mind wander off, you do injustice to the people who are immediately with you.
i donno, somehow never faced this problem.. except may be boring proffesors..
ReplyDeletenot real people... probably thats why my frns consider me a good listner..
key is to be genuinely interested in ppl :)