TIPS on how to be a better listener have been shared by the Breathing Space charity, who are keen to promote “the transformative impact that listening—and truly hearing someone—can have on mental wellbeing.”
They suggest:
-Be attentive: focus entirely on the speaker by eliminating distractions, maintain eye contact, and demonstrate interest in what they have to say.
– Listen without judgement: create a safe space and withhold judgement and criticism.
– Reflect and clarify: repeat what the speaker has said to show you grasp what they truly mean.
– Validate feelings: demonstrate empathy and support by acknowledging the speaker’s emotions and experiences, whether you agree or not.
– Use non-verbal cues: nod and smile where appropriate and use open body language to signal attentiveness.
– Be patient and allow for silence: allow the speaker to express themselves at their own pace. Silence can be a powerful tool so avoid interruptions or rushing the chat.
– Ask open-ended questions: encourage the speaker to expand on their thoughts by asking questions that require more than a yes or no.
– Offer support, not solutions: sometimes, just being there to listen is the most helpful thing you can do.
