Active listening is the process of paying attention to someone when they are speaking, in order to understand their message and respond appropriately. It involves not just hearing the words, but also understanding the meaning behind them.

To practice active listening, it is important to make an effort to focus on the speaker and avoid distractions such as your phone, other conversations, or your own thoughts. This can be achieved by maintaining eye contact, asking clarifying questions, and providing verbal or nonverbal cues that indicate you are engaged in the conversation.

More tips...

1. Give your full attention: Avoid distractions such as your phone or other conversations.
2. Maintain eye contact: This shows the speaker that you are engaged and paying attention.
3. Ask clarifying questions: If you don't understand something, ask for clarification.
4. Paraphrase: Repeat what the speaker has said in your own words to confirm that you have understood.
5. Show nonverbal cues: Nod your head or make other gestures to indicate that you are listening.
6. Avoid interrupting: Allow the speaker to finish their thoughts before responding.
7. Empathize: Try to understand the speaker's perspective and feelings.
8. Avoid judgment: Listen without judging the speaker

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At Telecare we consider ourselves to be expert listeners. For more listening resources provided by Telecare see:

LISTEN UP! Workshop - A supportive listening workshop - Do you want to be a better listener? Become a better friend, mentor, or co-worker? Be more effective in showing care for those around you? If you desire to grow in your ability to listen deeply and supportively— or are looking for tips to simply do this better—this half-day, online workshop is for you.

Become A Better Listener - This free video series provides you with the tools needed to improve your listening skills. 

Become a Telecare Call Responder - Are you a caring person? Would you like to join our team and become a call responder?  If so, the first step is to contact our training team. Email admin@telecarebc.com and mention your interest in volunteering as a call responder, and our staff will get back to you.