15 Jul Strategies to Hear and be Heard

Posted at 21:09h in News & Updates, Uncategorized by
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Try using the following strategies when:

  • we need to confront others about a discrepancy, or behavior
  • we feel we are not being heard or treated the way we want to be treated
  • we feel attacked, defensive or angry
  • we feel others are not understanding us or angry

BEFORE YOU SPEAK OR FORMULATE WHAT YOU WANT TO COMMUNICATE,  LISTEN!

How to listen

  • Do not interrupt
  • Repeat back to the person what they have just said and try to put it into your own words.
  • It is important not to “parrot” their exact words because that can seem condescending or obnoxious
  • Use non-verbal encouragers like “uh huh, go on, yes,” to reinforce that you are focused and listening.
  • Make sure your body language shows that you are listening. Indicators that you  are listening are good eye contact, sitting facing the speaker, open body language (unfolded arms,  head up, not fidgeting)
  • PUT DOWN YOUR MOBILE PHONE OR OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES (Smile)

REPEAT BACK WHAT YOU HEARD THE OTHER PERSON SAY

Examples:

  • What I’m hearing is….
  • Did you say….
  • I understand that….
  • Just to clarify what I heard you say is….
  • So you say that….
  • Help me understand what you meant when you said….

THEN:

Follow up with… Did I miss anything?