Improve Your Conversations With Active Listening

Improve Your Conversations With Active Listening

b-present Team | February 24, 2022

Have you ever been in a conversation and thought to yourself, “Wow, this person really hears me, understands me, and supports me?” We have. It’s those moments of genuine connection that we cherish so dearly. But great conversations take practice and dedication from both parties. If you’re looking to level up your conversation skills and nurture your relationships, practice and master active listening—giving your full attention to the speaker and focusing on what is being said rather than just passively ‘hearing’ them.

Why practice active listening?

It earns the speaker’s trust and helps you to understand their situation. Active listening consists of a desire to comprehend and offer support and empathy to the person speaking. Be fully present, engaged, and immersed in what the other person is saying. Prepare to listen, observe what verbal and non-verbal messages are being sent, and provide appropriate feedback to show attentiveness. 

Unhelpful listening habits:

  • Interrupting
  • Not making eye contact
  • Rushing the speaker
  • Becoming distracted
  • “Topping” the story
  • Forgetting what was said
  • Daydreaming

How does active listening benefit your relationships?

It allows you to ask questions so you can fully understand where the other person is coming from and respond with empathy. And, it validates the person speaking and makes them want to continue talking to you.

Listening actively to a friend going through a difficult time is a valuable skill because you will be less likely to jump in with a “quick fix” when the other person just wants to be heard. It’s one of the best gifts you can give your loved one.

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