Learning to become a better listener is one of the best ways to improve performance, particularly for team shows, personalities who take phone calls, and interview hosts. However, it’s a difficult skill to master because most performers think more about what they are going to say than about listening to and responding to what is said.
Active listening involves concentrating, understanding, and remembering what’s said in the moment. You’ve heard interviews where the host asks a question that has already been answered or jumps to a new topic without acknowledging a critical point the guest has made. These missed opportunities highlight the need to be a better listener and can disrupt the flow of the conversation, leaving the audience less engaged.
