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Find a practice partner: Ask a friend, colleague, or family member to participate in the exercise. Explain that the goal is to improve your active listening skills.
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Choose a topic: Ask your partner to choose a topic to talk about. It could be something they feel comfortable discussing, like their workday, a hobby, or a recent experience.
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Practice the steps of active listening:
- Step 1: Listen without interrupting: Let your partner tell their story without interrupting. Show that you’re listening by making eye contact and using body language, like nodding.
- Step 2: Provide acknowledgment: Use short, supportive responses like “yes,” “I understand,” or nod to show you’re engaged.
- Step 3: Summarize and paraphrase: Repeat what you heard in your own words. For example, say: “So if I understand correctly…” and briefly summarize their story. This helps confirm that you understood their message.
- Step 4: Ask open questions: Follow up with an open-ended question to dive deeper into the topic, such as “How did that make you feel?” or “What do you think you would do differently next time?”
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Reflect after the exercise:
- Ask your partner how it felt to talk to you and if they felt heard.
- Reflect on your experience: Was it difficult not to interrupt? Which techniques helped you listen better?