The fast pace of our lives does not often allow us the time to really stop and engage in genuine communication with others. This can result in miscommunication and complications in the long run. Empathetic Listening is a way of listening and responding to another person that improves mutual understanding and trust. It is a process of seeking to hear from others, which opens up the communication process. Here is a presentation that highlights the benefits of empathetic listening skills and ways to improve it.
29. “The most basic of all human needs is the need to understand and be understood. The best way to understand people is to listen to them.“ - Ralph Nichols
30. To read more such articles, please visit: blog.commlabindia.com
Empathetic Listening is a way of listening and responding to another person that improves mutual understanding and trust.
Empathetic Listening helps people to understand better. It involves more hearing with the heart and the ears and acting accordingly.
It is a process of seeking to hear from others, which opens up the communication process.
Let us see how empathetic listening skills help.
Empathetic Listening helps to go beyond verbal communication.
It allows constant reflection on what is being said and gives you much more information than the speaker’s words convey.
The information received in through empathetic listening is more complete and valuable.
When statements don’t give the complete information, empathetic skills help a lot by drawing out more details.
Empathetic skills help to understand the situation better.
Empathetic listening skills help interpret the intended meaning correctly.
Makes the communication process informative from both ends-the speaker and the listener.
Good listening keeps people focused.
Empathetic listening gives comfort while receiving information.
Empathetic listening skills help people to be more compassionate.
Empathetic listening makes the person deliver good results. These skills make the person think and act well.
Empathetic Listening also builds a keen interest among listeners to think better.
Empathetic skills are really helpful to retain information for long.
How can one listen with empathy?
Come out of your preoccupied mindset and listen carefully.
For active listening, always try to create an optimistic atmosphere as it helps to learn and listen better.
Make sure your body language is right as it matters a lot in any such kind of activity.
Never try to change the subject when the speaker is speaking and don’t confuse him.
Don’t ask too many questions when the speaker is addressing the audience. Don’t interrupt and interrogate him either.
In order to impart appropriate guidance, knowledge, wisdom, experience, etc., a mentor must first establish where his or her responsibility lies.
Never bottle up your doubts. Rephrase statements to check your understanding.
Empathy calls for open-mindedness to interpret data.
Finally, in conclusion, according to Ralph Nichols, “The most basic of all human needs is the need to understand and be understood. The best way to understand people is to listen to them.”
To read more such articles, please visit: www.commlabindia.com