In order to listen with a clear mind, an excellent practice is to first filter your thoughts. Close your eyes and visualize a whiteboard in your mind, and on that white board visualize yourself writing down all the things that you are currently thinking about. Write down all your worries and fears, excitement and anticipation on the white board in your mind. Then imagine all the words slowly being erased, your mind prepared and clear, ready to listen.
Listening requires full attention. This means that you are listening to the other person without thinking of what you are going to say next. This is a skill that requires practice. Practice not interrupting in all conversations for a period of one week. Challenge yourself to stay focused on only listening.
Active listening is a way of listening that improves mutual understanding and honors and respects the other person. It's a structured process of listening and responding that focuses on the speaker. Do so by first giving the speaker your undivided attention, and listening fully to everything she says. Then repeat back to the speaker what you have heard. You may say something like this, "So, what it sounds like you're saying is..."
An excellent way to improve listening skills is to ask questions to encourage the speaker to clarify or expand on his points. Challenge yourself to ask a question in every conversation you have during a 24-hour period. Questions should help you to gain a deeper understanding of what is being said, and help expand your knowledge of the person or topic.