## Exercise: Active Listening

### Listen or read:

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1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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?”

4. 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?

### Repeat this exercise regularly with different people and topics to further develop your listening skills.