- Use clear and concise statements that are easily understandable.
Training Module on the Right to Mental Health for Faith-Based Organizations
- Cover one topic at a time so as not to overwhelm and keep it focused.
- Be descriptive when communicating observations about the speaker���s
behavior and focus on the problem, not on the person. As much as
possible, avoid accusing or passing on judgment. The key is to come up
with a solution together.
- Encourage the person to explore the problem and possible solutions.
- If the person is uncommunicative or the conversation turns into an
argument, take a break and agree to talk another time.
Definition of Emphatic Listening
Also called active listening or reflective listening, this is a way of listening that
is attentive with the intent to understand the speaker’s feelings on top of their
ideas. It encourages the speaker to fully express themselves to get a sense of
what they are really experiencing. It involves putting yourself in the speaker’s
shoes, imagining being in their place while paying attention to your own
feelings that relate to their experience.
Why Emphatic Listening is Important
It is likely to gain an individual’s trust by demonstrating emphatic listening
because it elicits openness, inspires cooperation, and allows you to obtains
more information. It conveys their importance to you while ensuring them you
are not here to judge.
How to Demonstrate Emphatic Listening
- Be mentally prepared, open minded, and unbiased to the speaker.
- Establish eye contact, listen to what they are saying, be alert and not
distracted.
- Indicate that you are listening by providing brief verbal responses such
as “okay,” “I see,” or “go on” and appropriate non-verbal acknowledgment
such as nods. You may also encourage the speaker to expound by saying,
“Tell me more about it.”
- Ask questions to clarify things you do not understand and corroborate
thoughts. Paraphrase or summarize from time to time. Reflect back on
what you think the speaker is saying and feeling.
- Don’t dismiss their feelings, interrupt often, show signs of impatience,
change the subject, give advice, jump to conclusions, or formulate your
responses that you forget to listen to the speaker.
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