# I asked a communication expert: Mastering these three listening skills will improve your personal and professional relationships. > I asked a communication expert: Mastering these three listening skills will improve your personal and professional relationships. - Canonical: https://neurohackingly.com/listening-skills/ - Published: 2022-11-09 - Updated: 2023-11-06 - Author: Lukas Zangerl - Tags: mindset I sought advice from a communication specialist with **more than 35 years of experience.** She told me that **two components make up effective communication.** * Listening skills * Speaking skills ## 3 Listening Skills for effective communication ### 🦻 Listening receptively Pay attention to your partner. **Show interest** by interjecting or asking questions. **Nod and look** at your partner. ### 🗣 Listen first, then Paraphrase **Repeat in your own words** what your partner said. Doing this will give your partner feedback. It makes sure that you have **understood him or her correctly.** ### ❓ Ask Open Questions Is your partner **expressing his feelings and desires indirectly?** Are you not sure what he's feeling? **Ask specific questions. Avoid closed questions** that can only be answered with yes or no. * * * [Sign up for my newsletter](/newsletter/) to ensure you **don't miss the three speaking skills.** These have especially brought my professional relationships to the next level. [Building A Morning Routine](/building-a-morning-routine/) [Nlp Seminar Unleash The Power Within 10 Takeaways](/nlp-seminar-unleash-the-power-within-10-takeaways/) [Nlp For Self Development](/nlp-for-self-development/)