- Make eye contact and show nonverbal cues of interest.
- Avoid distractions and interruptions.
- Allow the person to finish speaking before you respond.
2. Show empathy:
- Put yourself in the speaker's shoes and try to understand their perspective.
- Show you understand their feelings by using empathy statements like "I understand that you're upset..." or "I can imagine how frustrating that must be."
3. Ask clarifying questions:
- Ask questions to clarify what the person has said if you're not sure.
- This shows you're engaged in the conversation and want to understand them fully.
4.Summarize what you've heard:
- Repeat back to the person what you've heard them say in your own words.
- This ensures you've understood them correctly and helps the conversation stay on track.
5. Avoid judgment and criticism:
- Don't make assumptions or judgments about what the person is saying.
- Avoid interrupting with your own opinions or experiences unless the person explicitly asks for them.
6. Be patient:
- Allow the person to speak at their own pace.
- Don't rush them or try to hurry the conversation along.
7. Follow through:
- If the person asks for something or expresses a concern, follow up to ensure their request has been met or their concern addressed.
- This shows that you've been listening and taken their concerns seriously.