Summary
The article provides guidance on how to be a supportive listener by asking if advice is desired, focusing on the speaker, asking for examples, and offering praise rather than jumping in with solutions.
Abstract
The author expresses empathy for those who struggle with the urge to solve problems immediately when someone is speaking to them. The article outlines a set of listening guidelines aimed at improving communication by prioritizing the speaker's needs. These guidelines include asking the speaker whether they are seeking advice or just need someone to listen, maintaining focus on the speaker's words and non-verbal cues, asking for specific examples to better understand the situation, and providing encouragement through praise. The author acknowledges the challenge of simply listening without offering immediate solutions and emphasizes the importance of showing faith in the speaker's ability to handle their own problems.
Opinions
- The author believes that it's important to ask the speaker whether they want advice or just need to be heard, recognizing that immediate problem-solving may not always be the desired response.
- Maintaining focus during a conversation is seen as crucial, with the author suggesting that listeners should pay attention to the speaker's tone of voice and eye contact to show genuine engagement.
- Instead of making assumptions about the speaker's situation, the author recommends asking for specific examples or instances to gain a clearer understanding.
- Offering praise and expressing confidence in the speaker's ability to navigate their issues is considered more supportive than providing unsolicited advice.
- The author admits to personal difficulty with interrupting and views these guidelines as a way to improve their own listening skills, suggesting that these practices are aspirational and require effort to implement effectively.