Active Listening
Practicing active listening during your conversation with a staff member will help both of you get the most out of the discussion.
Below are some principles of active listening:
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Don’t try to guess what the other person is experiencing: be curious and thoughtful.
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Be aware of your body language: maintain an open, relaxed posture and maintain eye contact.
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Silence is a powerful listening skill. Be quiet and give the person time to think, as well as talk.
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Repeat back your understanding of what they have said to make sure you understand correctly.
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Don’t judge.
For more tips on active listening go to Mind Tools' section on active listening.
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The information contained in this toolkit is provided for general information only.
It is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your physician or appropriate health-care provider with respect to your particular circumstances.