In this clip of My Fair Lady it approaches a few things I’d like to or have discussed with you, in my last post “Does the way you talk influence people’s perceptions of you?” I said that the way you talk, gives people a certain opinion of you. In this clip you can clearly see that everyone looks down at Eliza for talking poorly.

But what does it matter if you can talk properly if you cannot listen? Eliza doesn’t listen properly to Higgins as he exclaims that her offer is equivalent to a millionaire who would offer him sixty pounds. So what are the tricks and tips to listening properly? I’ve got them right here:

1. Don’t get distracted. If you’re listening to someone make sure you do not get distracted. Apart from it being extremely rude staring at some faraway object, it also gives a bad impression of you. Highbrow people listen.
2. Be interested. You can listen to someone and still look uninterested. Take part in the conversation. Ask them questions, make them believe that what they’re saying is something you’ve never heard before with so much enthusiasm.
3. Don’t interrupt the speaker. While you should always show an interest, don’t disturb the speaker half way through their sentence. Show respect before you add your input into the conversation!
4. Use body language. Your body language can show what you’re feeling, so if this is a rather important person and you do not agree with what they are saying - show it in a positive manner rather then a negative one. Do not curl up your fists in anger. Always be aware of the impression you are giving the other person.

These four tips, if used properly, can extend your ability to communicate with people. Being highbrow means to have the ability to communicate with everyone, no matter what class they are. Learning how to listen also gives you the chance to assess situations quicker then before.

Paying attention is the key to success. Listening is one of the steps you need to further yourself.