Did You Hear?

Being a good listener is one of the most important qualities that you can bring to a relationship. Today, start really listening to the people in your life—spouses, kids, bosses, coworkers, friends and so on. The following active listening skills can help improve any relationship:
 
- First, let the speaker know that you are listening to them. Say things like "uh-huh" or "mm-hmm." (Don't think about what you want to say next. Just listen.)
 
- Next, be sure that you got the message right. Re-state the other person's thought by reflecting it back to them in your own words: "So what you're saying is…" or "it sounds like you felt really angry when…."
 
- Lastly, offer a summary at the end of the conversation: "Okay, so it sounds as though you feel really strongly that…. And we'll do…to address your concerns."
 
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