![]() This means consciously trying to understand the meaning of what they are saying-but also what is behind the words, and what they are not saying. Empathic listening means being aware of, and understanding, the speaker’s feelings and emotions, as well as the words that they are using. You may find our page on Mindful Listening is helpful in developing this technique.Ī focus on both facts and feelings. In order to do this, you have to be ‘present’. As with any kind of effective listening, empathic listening requires you to give the speaker your full attention. You can show that you are doing this by using phrases such as ‘I understand’ and ‘I see’. Importantly, you need to show that you accept the speaker’s message, even if you don’t necessarily agree with it. Empathic listening requires you to put aside your own opinions and views, and concentrate wholly on the speaker. They include:Ī complete lack of judgement. It can be extremely useful at work for ensuring that you fully understand a situation, both facts and feelings, and actively showing that you have heard, understood and accepted someone’s message.Īside from needing to give the speaker adequate time, there are other characteristics of practical empathic listening. ![]() However, this does not mean that empathic listening is only for therapeutic situations. This therefore sets it apart from other forms of active listening, where the goal is to understand the communication and respond in whatever way seems most appropriate. The main aim of empathic listening is usually to provide support or encouragement to the speaker. It is therefore perhaps more of a therapeutic technique than active listening, which is more about supporting good two-way communication. Crucially, empathic listening gives the speaker space to feel heard and validated. It is therefore an extension of active listening, but requires a conscious and much stronger focus on feelings. This enables you to put yourself into their shoes, and feel with them-the definition of empathy. This page describes empathic listening, and explains what skills you need to develop this ability.Įmpathic listening is the process of making an emotional connection with someone who is speaking. However, there is more to empathic listening than simply paying attention and responding. Certainly both mindful and active listening can improve your empathy. Just like mindful listening, some people suggest that empathic listening is the same as Active Listening. This describes a way of listening with your “ears, eyes and heart”, as one blog writer put it eloquently. However, there is also a separate concept called empathic listening. Our page on Mindful Listening explains that listening to someone with your full attention-including consciously bringing your mind back if it wanders-can increase your empathy. Conversation Tips for Getting What You Want.Non-Verbal Communication: Face and Voice.Tips for Effective Interpersonal Communication.
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