SELF-CARE, APRIL 2013 - LISTEN UP!

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Have you ever finished a conversation, walked away and wondered, "What were we talking about?" Our natural impulse is to nod in agreement when someone is talking, sending the signal that we understand whether we're truly hearing someone or not. 

The only way to know for sure that you have gotten the true intent of a conversation is to put your ears on and follow-up with reflective communication. That means mirroring back what the speaker has said to you. Good starters are phrases like, "Here's what I heard you say..." and "Let's summarize." Then list for your conversation partner major points of the talk. 

No Audio: Example Points - "Reflective communications, Mirror back, Maintain eye-contact, Note speaker's posture, Tone for clues to meaning, Ask questions, Clarify details."

Maintain eye contact and note the speaker's posture and tone for clues to meaning. Asking questions relevant to a speaker's story will clarify details and also show that you are interested and that you care about what they are saying. 

No Audio: Example Questions - "Who? When? What? Where?"

Making sure that listening is your first communication strategy will make your relationships work more smoothly, and it's good self-care. 

Take time to take care. 

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