Give me 2 mins and I'll teach you how to listen (to understand vs. to respond):
1/ Engage to understand.
↳Eye contact shows you're right there with them. ↳Small nods and "uh-huh" demonstrate engagement. ↳When your mind drifts, bring it back to listening.
2/ Connect heart-to-heart.
↳Watch their body language and tone to get their feelings. ↳Sharing your feelings makes a safe space. ↳Avoid judging or jumping into giving advice.
3/ Remove distractions: they are all that matters.
↳Distance yourself from phones and devices and put them on silence. ↳Choose a quiet spot. ↳Stay in the now, gently ignore wandering thoughts.
4/ Embrace Quiet: Silence holds the key to understanding.
↳Resist the urge to interrupt silence. ↳Reflect during quiet times. ↳Patience lets them share at their pace.
5/ Lean on Curiosity: Be eager to learn their story.
↳Every chat is a chance to discover new things. ↳Ask to uncover their true thoughts and feelings. ↳Prompt more details with "What happened next?"
6/ Reflect Their Reality: Show you get them inside and out.
↳Summarize their points in your own words. ↳Recognize their feelings with empathy. ↳Ask to clarify vs. assuming.
PS: When you listen, it's about showing you care and hear them, not that you agree with everything they are saying.
