Three Basic Skills: Listening, Looking & Leveling

Listening…does not have to be passive. It can be as active as talking.

- Pay attention
- Avoid thinking ahead to what are you going to say
- Avoid interrupting
- Listen for feelings underneath the words
- Keep an open mind
- Encourage the speaker and clarify what has been said if you have a question

Looking…People communicate with verbal and body language. Pay attention to the whole person. Facial gestures and body movements are clues that will help fully understand what the person is saying.

- Make eye contact
- Show you are listening by leaning forward in your chair
- Check out what you understood – repeat back what you heard (As if that’s is what the person meant)

Leveling…means being honest in what you say

- Be honest in what you say
- Use “I” statements instead of “You” statements
- Never judge. Respect feelings – listen and understand

(Source:Yahoo.com)