1. Remove distractions and tune in. Turn off the television or the radio and put down anything else you are reading or doing. Notice the sounds that are around you. Some of the sounds may be whirring fans, ticking clocks, whistling birds, rustling leaves, nearby conversations, buses and truck engines, children playing games etc. What do these sounds remind you of and how do they make you feel? Do you find them comforting or distracting? Do the sounds tell a story and do they motivate you to feel like writing or creating something of your own?
2. Pay attention. Focus on what you are listening to rather than formulating what you think you should say in reply to a conversation. What is the other person really trying to say? Are you digesting their words properly and reading between the silences and noticing the body language? Let your ears do some of the assessing for a change. Watch the person's face, eyes and body. All communicate different things, often more accurately than words.
3. Listen to one thing only. Try listening to one person or thing at a time. Forget trying to multi-task - instead give one person, piece of music or gushing waterfall all of your auditory attention at once. If many elements are present, such as in symphonic music, try listening to the overall sound as a holistic sound. It can be a very interesting exercise to try.
4. Stop once in a while and just listen to music. We are so used to having music in the background now that we don't often make it the sole focus. If it is appropriate, close your eyes and focus entirely on the sound.
5. Use sound as an important memory tool. Listening is a pathway to learning. Use sound as a memory trigger when you are studying or learning something new. If you find it hard to keep listening, for example during a lecture or lesson, spend some time building up your powers of concentration every day. Set goals for staying alert an extra 5 minutes each time and use note taking as a form of helping you to listen.
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