Develop empathy. Social workers are typically nurturing and compassionate people. Empathy is a key component in showing your client that you care. While most people are able to listen sympathetically, empathetic listening means that the social worker identifies and understands the emotions the client is expressing. Showing your empathy can be as simple as acknowledging the emotions that are being relayed to you with a simple identifying phrase, such as, "You seem to be really angry at this person." This will communicate to the client that you are listening and attempting to see the situation from his perspective.
Concentrate on the client. Improve your listening skills by focusing all of your attention on the person who is addressing you. Sometimes the context or environment of a conversation introduces distractions. Combat any factor that threatens to take your attention from your client. Simply move the discussion to another place where there are fewer distracting elements. Keep your own thoughts to yourself until the client is finished speaking in order to demonstrate that the client has your full attention.
Practice using active listening body language to show your client that you care. Non-verbal messages can sometimes speak louder than words when it comes to effective communication. Eye contact is a specific skill you can practice in everyday conversations to show the speaker that you are listening. Nodding in sympathy or agreement is another signal that you are paying attention to what is being said. Keep track of what message you might be sending to clients through the language of your body. Observe the client's response to your movements and attempt to match your facial expressions with what is being said to you.
Ask questions. Responding to a client with a question, sometimes even rephrasing what she has said, affirms that you have been listening and want to know more. You might ask the client for further explanation, definition or clarification. Do not interrupt a client, but when she is finished speaking, paraphrase what you have heard and ask your question. This is a form of active listening that reflects a compassionate and nurturing social worker.