Active listening is the practice of listening to a speaker while providing feedback indicating that the listener both hears and understands what the speaker is saying. This a tool to ensure stronger communication and I encourage individuals and couples to practice active listening skills. Active listening is also an important skill for parents to use with their children. COMPONENTS OF ACTIVE LISTENING There are three primary aspects of active listening: Comprehending – In the comprehension stage of listening, the listener actively analyzes and listens to what the speaker is saying …
“I” Statements
An “I” message or “I” statement is a style of communication that focuses on the feelings or beliefs of the speaker rather than thoughts and characteristics that the speaker attributes to the listener. For example, a person might say to his or her partner, “I feel abandoned and worried when you consistently come home late without calling” instead of demanding, “Why are you never home on time?” ROLE OF “I” STATEMENTS IN COMMUNICATION Thomas Gordon developed the concept of an “I” statement and contrasted these statements to “you” statements, which shift blame and attributions to the listener. …
8 Strategies for Practicing Empathic Listening:
As a follow-up to my earlier post introducing empathetic listening, I am providing some tips you can use to improve your relationships and communication. Here are 8 strategies for practicing empathic listening: Take the time. Active, empathic listening requires time. The speaker needs to feel they have all the time in the world to release the flood of feelings and worries they have bottled up inside. Only when they release this backlog of emotion are they finally able to have clarity and the ability to reach conclusions. It's easy to lose patience with a speaker who is …
What is Empathetic Listening and Why is it Important?
Empathic Listening One of the most valuable personal growth skills we can learn is empathic listening. It's a skill that not only serves others, but also one that stretches us to become more compassionate and patient people. It's an important skill to master both for your personal and professional interactions. What is empathic listening? Empathic listening affords tremendous value for someone struggling with a problem, as it allows them to solve their own difficulties in the company of a caring empathetic listener. As the speaker hears himself talk, he gains more clarity about …
What is Empathetic Listening and Why is it Important?Read More
