ACTIVE LISTENING

Active listening can be very important with communication.  Active listening is participating in the conversation instead of just listening. 

When you are using active listening with others, they are more likely to share information with you and are more apt to feel like you are listening and care.

Use these tips to help you be better at listening:

  • Give  the other person eye contact.

  • Put away any distractions such as electronics.

  • Nod, smile, frown, show reactions that are appropriate for what is being said.

  • Give short verbal input such as: “Uh huh,” “That makes sense,” “I understand,” and “That’s interesting.”

  • Ask questions such as “What do you think about…” or “How did that feel?”

  • Reiterate what you heard. “So if I understand correctly you are saying…”

  • Acknowledge the other person’s feelings. “It sounds like you are upset about that.  That sounds really tough.”

  • Find out if the speaker wants you to “fix” the problem or just listen.  It’s ok to ask them which they want. “Are you looking for me to help you with that or do you just need someone to vent to?”

  • Pay attention to the body language and verbal cues of the other person. Are these cues contradicting their words?  For example, the speaker is saying everything is fine but they are an irritated voice or their hands are clenched.

Good communication skills are important in all aspects of our lives. Your relationships can be improved with the improvement of your communication skills. 

If I could pick one thing for couples to focus and improve on it would be communication.  Many, many, many problems in relationships could be avoided with better communication skills. 

For more information on building your marriage or committed relationship:

  • See my package of information Building A Strong Foundation.  It can be found on my website. WWW.SavingGraceTC.com

  • Follow on social media

    • Instagram: SavingGraceTC

    • Facebook: Saving Grace Telehealth Counseling

To enter individual or couples counseling:

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