To listen effectively, block out irrelevant information and focus on those points that help you reflect on the main idea. You are more able to understand the information if you have knowledge of the subject being discussed. Even a slight recollection can trigger a response that allows you to understand what is being said. For example, you may know a word based on its context or you may recognize the root of the word. When you understand what is being said, you listen more attentively and retain much more of what you hear.
To separate rhetoric from significant information, pay attention to specific details that help you draw conclusions and make connections between what you already know and what you are hearing. Listen to the tone of the speaker and watch his body language to extract clues to the meaning of what is being said. Pay attention to words or phrases, such as "first," or "the purpose is," which signal that you should listen for what is coming next.
If you can restate what you heard, either orally or silently, you can arrive at the crux of what was said and identify aspects of the input that you did not grasp. Ask questions or discuss what you heard to mentally solidify the information. You can extricate it later and incorporate it into your knowledge base. Each time you learn something new, you can use it to build upon and exponentially expand your aptitude for listening effectively.
Analyze your ability to listen well. Ask yourself if you listened actively by mentally questioning and making judgments as you heard the speaker. Mental questions keep you involved and help you listen for answers. Did you keep your mind from wandering by staying engaged and looking the person in the eye, if possible? Did you focus on what was being said and disregard extraneous occurrences? Good listeners can answer yes to these questions.