How to put down the distractions and really listen.
Empathic listeningor empathetic listeningis rooted in compassion that involves much more than just listening to people’s words.
“Empathic listening is an art.
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Ithelps forge trustand create a safe space for authentic connection and understanding.
Or listen only so we know when it’s our turn to talk?
Empathetic listening can open up your communication with others and forge closer connections and more meaningful relationships.
Instead of listening to respond, it’s all about listening to understand.
Becoming a more empathetic listener has a number of benefits.
Youll Find Better Ways to Resolve Conflicts
Empathetic listening helps facilitate conversations thatresolve conflictsin mutually satisfying ways.
Focusing on the emotions and feelings behind what people are saying adds greater nuance to what they say verbally.
It’s a cycle that keeps us busy, but also distracts us from building meaningful human connections.
How Do You Show Empathetic Listening?
In conversations, listening with empathy can help others feel welcomed, safe, and heard.
When people feel comfortable, they are more comfortable expressing themselves freely and openly.
Consider it your ‘emotional radar’ that allows you to pick up on spoken and unspoken signals.
Recalling similar situations from your own life can help you place yourself in their shoes.
Focusing on being fully present in the conversation can make for a heartfelt dialogue.
Convey your interest and empathy through your facial expressions and body language.
Use non-verbal cues such as nods, smiles, and facial expressions to show encouragement and understanding.
Reflect on What They Say
When we listen reflectively, we listen more than we respond.
When we do talk, we restate what has been said or validate the speaker’s emotions.
The goal is to reflect but not interject questions or opinions.
Be Patient and Respectful
Dont have a go at rush the other person.
“Empathic listening does not mean we need to agree, Latimer explains.
Even if you dont agree with what they are say, confirm that you avoid expressing judgment.
Remember that each persons lived experience is different from your own.
Just because you havent experienced the same thing does not mean they havent.
What Are the Four Skills of Empathetic Listening?
Empathetic listening involves many different skills.
When we listen with empathy, we show people that we reallygetwhat they are saying and we genuinely care.
Non-Verbal Signals
Ournon-verbal communicationplays a vital role in empathetic listening.
I hear you is something so many people need to feel and hear.
Good eye contact shows interest and understanding.
All four of these skills help foster an environment of trust, safety, support, and understanding.
People feel like what they say has value and their feelings are truly being heard.
These phrases can be used to convey different aspects of empathetic listening.
You should choose responses that are specific to the situation and the individual’s needs.
Of course, thats sometimes easier said than done.
We all make judgments each day.
When you feel tempted to judge, take a stab at replace it with curiosity.
Instead of wonderinghowa person can think that way, ask yourselfwhythey might feel that way.
If you stifle their thoughts by asserting your own, they will likely shut down and stop sharing.
You just need to be willing to listen.
People who engage in this throw in of mediation tend to be more compassionate, helpful, and empathetic.
One study found it could also help decrease implicit bias against stigmatized minority groups.
Practice Patience
To be an empathetic listener, you also need topractice being a patient listener.
It can take time for someone to get to the point or put their feelings into words.
Sitting with silence and waiting for them to speak on their own terms isn’t always easy.
When you do this, the other person will feel rushed or dismissed.
While it can be hard to get used to, consciously embrace those moments of silence.
Let them gather their thoughts and show your encouragement in other ways, such asbody language or facial expressions.
Remember that a pause doesn’t mean the conversation is over.
It just means they need a moment to reflect before moving forward.
it’s possible for you to make the connection even stronger by planning to talk again soon.
This, he says, is what makes empathetic listening such a powerful communication tool.
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