Empathetic listening involves fully focusing, understanding and responding to others, it's active listening, but with genuine concern which can help to enhance relationships and resolve conflict. It can lead to improved communication and trust, but does take time to practice and perfect.
Empathetic listening should allow you to step inside the speaker's story, to try and discover why they are feeling as they are showing genuine compassion.
Empathetic listening requires the listener to use their eyes, ears and heart to listen, it takes the mechanics of active listening and takes the listener a step further.
There are many situations where we can apply empathetic listening whether it's when working with a colleague, a student or when building professional relationships with our communities, it's a valuable skill to develop and apply.
Often empathetic listening is not about fixing the problem or situation, but about listening to what's being said and validating what the person is saying throughout the conversation.
Empathetic listening is a skill that enhances communication, builds trust and fosters compassion in all interactions. By practicing this skill you can create meaningful connections, build trust and foster compassion in your interactions. Through using this technique you can create more meaningful connections and build a more understanding and supportive environment.
Reflective questions
