Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.~Stephen Covey
Have you noticed how we don’t take the time to really listen to one another? Our thoughts race about what we want to say, the point we want to make, or a good response we want to give. We are so busy with our own thoughts that we hear very little of what the other person is saying. Then, as though that’s not egregious enough, we interrupt the person because what we have to say is so urgent and so much more important. We don’t realize how rude and insensitive we are.
Good communication is a skill that needs to be honed. It doesn’t come naturally. It starts with just listening, just giving your full attention to the other person. As the listener, you can make it safe for the other person to talk by being aware of your facial expression. Make sure there isn’t a sign of judgment or even an overreaction to what’s being said. See if you can just listen without saying a word. Much of communication is nonverbal, and often we aren’t consciously aware of it. So even if you’re not saying anything, you are communicating something. Speak only after the person is done speaking; give advice only if the person specifically asks for it.