I would like to start my blog from this quote  "The most basic and powerful way to connect to another person is to listen.  Just listen.  Perhaps the most important thing we ever give each other is our attention."

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Rachel Naomi Remen

Listening is the ability to accurately receive and interpret messages in the communication process. 

               The  Principles of Listening

     1.Stop Talking

     Don't talk, listen.  When somebody else is talking listen to what they are saying, do not interrupt, talk over them or finish their sentences for them.  Stop, just listen.  When the other person has finished talking you may need to clarify to ensure you have received their message accurately.

                                         2.Prepare Yourself to Listen

Relax. Focus on the speaker.  Put other things out of mind.  The human mind is easily distracted by other thoughts – what’s for lunch, what time do I need to leave to catch my train, is it going to rain – try to put other thoughts out of mind and concentrate on the messages that are being communicated.

                                           3.Be Patient

A pause, even a long pause, does not necessarily mean that the speaker has finished.Be patient and let the speaker continue in their own time, sometimes it takes time to formulate what to say and how to say it. Never interrupt or finish a sentence for someone.

                                      4.Empathise

Try to understand the other person’s point of view.

Look at issues from their perspective.  Let go of preconceived ideas.  By having an open mind we can more fully empathise with the speaker.  If the speaker says something that you disagree with then wait and construct an argument to counter what is said but keep an open mind to the views and opinions of others. 

Keeping this principles you can have good conversation. And you can understand all of them.