Two more practical tips for better listening are removing distractions and finding the right context for your conversation. Both of these are very practical and often easy to accomplish.

In terms of distractions, simply remove them, shut them off, or find another place for your conversation. That means turning off your phone (Yes, shut if off! Putting it on 'silent' allows periodic buzzing to still distract you) , the Xbox One, TV, or any other source of noise and visual hindrance. It might mean moving away from a window, or repositioning yourself at another angle to the speaker. It also means stopping what you’re doing and giving the speaker your full attention.

Finding the right context for your conversation is also important. Depending on what you’re discussing you may wish to schedule an appointment at a certain location where you can give the speaker your full attention and sufficient time. Some coffee shops are more favorable than others in terms of privacy or quietness.

Sometimes it’s also important to find a neutral place for your conversation, especially if it’s between a superior and a subordinate. A CEO’s office, for example, may be seen as the king’s throne room—an intimidating environment not so conducive for honest, heart-to-heart disclosure or for solving relational problems. So depending on the context of your conversation, you may want to go somewhere else besides your office.

[Next week I'll look at two more practical tips for better listening.]