In today’s world, where technology is our primary source of communication,
it’s essential to remember the role human connection plays in communication and the importance of being present and truly listening.
Listening isn’t just about hearing the words someone is saying – it’s really about the other person feeling seen, heard, and understood. It’s about them walking away from the conversation feeling like they matter.
In today’s world, where technology is our primary source of communication,
it’s essential to remember the role human connection plays in communication and the importance of being present and truly listening.
Listening isn’t just about hearing the words someone is saying – it’s really about the other person feeling seen, heard, and understood. It’s about them walking away from the conversation feeling like they matter.
Create Space for Sharing
Providing a safe space for the other person to share their thoughts and feelings is essential in communication. And when you create an environment of acceptance, you encourage authenticity and openness to share their thoughts and feelings.
Acknowledge Feelings and Emotions
Emotions can be uncomfortable for many people, so their fear of judgment may hold them back from expressing themselves fully.
So, if someone is being vulnerable, it’s crucial to acknowledge their feelings and emotions. When you do, they feel seen, heard, and understood, and you create an opportunity to strengthen the relationship and build trust.
Ask Questions
When you ask questions, you show the other person you’re genuinely interested in what they are saying and encourage them to share more — use open-ended questions if you want to take the conversation to a deeper level.
Avoid Interrupting
Really allow the other person to say what they need to say without interrupting, even if it’s to agree or share your thoughts on the topic.
We’ve all done it. You know, the “OMG, me too!” But when some get interrupted and can’t finish their thought, they might unconsciously shut down or feel rejected.
Practice pausing and allowing the other person to express themselves fully. Embrace the power of the pause – it’s a super effective technique that creates space for people to articulate their thoughts and feelings.
Avoid Giving Unsolicited Advice
Before you give advice, ask the person what they need. Ask if they want guidance, advice, a solution, or just need someone to listen.
The skill of listening is instrumental in building and maintaining strong relationships – personal and professional. So, the next time you find yourself in a conversation, challenge yourself to take on some of these tips to create a space for understanding and connection.
Nicole Comis, Certified Life & Executive Coach, helps business owners and other career-driven professionals achieve their BIG career goals while integrating more balance into their lives. She partners with her clients to gain clarity on what they want their future to look like, face their fears, identify obstacles holding them back, and create a plan to help them achieve BIG, stretchy goals that are outside of their comfort zone. Her coaching practice incorporates her client’s whole life, not just their career, leading to a more balanced, productive, healthy, and happy life. Nicole is a graduate and certified coach from the Accomplishment Coaching Coaches Training Program and is accredited by the International Coach Federation (ICF) as a Professional Certified Coach (PCC). Nicole’s high-energy, judgment-free, fun, no-BS approach helps men and women live a more balanced life with a career they love, fulfilling relationships, a healthy well-being, and killer confidence!
