Do you sometimes wish you could communicate more clearly with people? With your spouse, your kids, your friends, your co-workers?
The best way to connect with people is to have great communication skills. The skills that make them feel heard, valued, understood, and loved.
One of those key communication skills is active listening.
I teach people how to use active listening skills ALL THE TIME in counseling. It helps everyone and every relationship.
In today’s episode, let’s chat about 5 simple ways that you can use active listening to deepen your relationships.
Hit play, friend!
Listen to Episode 25:
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Episode Show Notes
You’ve probably heard of the term “active listening.” But what does it mean?
Well, as a family counselor, this is something that I help people with all the time. Listening is a skill, and with the right kind of practice, we can all get better and better at communicating with our most important people!
Listen to the whole episode to get the most out of this topic!
Here is my definition of “active listening”:
Active listening means we are intentionally HEARING what the person is saying, UNDERSTANDING both their meaning and their emotions and intentions behind what they’re saying, and SHOWING THEM that we hear and understand them.
Make sense?
I hope so.
And here are 5 simple tips to help you improve your active listening skills. Show your people that you hear them, understand them, and value them.
- Make eye contact when they’re talking to you
- Don’t interrupt – including allowing distractions such as pulling out your phone
- Manage your non-verbals: posture (don’t cross your arms), nodding, avoid tapping your foot or other signs of impatience
- Mirror their emotions – smile; show concern… as appropriate to what they are saying!
- Verbally confirm that you understand them: ask relevant questions; summarize it back and ask if you got it right; ask for clarification if you’re confused
It sounds simple, but practice will really help.
And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t push yourself. Just pick ONE of the tips above and try it out this week!
>> And don’t forget, mama: sign up today for 5 Tools Every Busy Mom Needs To Move Her Family From Autopilot to Intimacy: The Relationship Reset FREE 5-Day Email Course.
Let's connect!
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As a disclaimer: I am a licensed therapist but this podcast is not therapy. It is not personal advice to your specific situation. If you believe professional counseling may be helpful for you in this season of life, you may find this article on the Love Your People Well website helpful.
