World Listening Day 2025: 10 tips to help you become a better listener
Maintain eye contactShow genuine interest by keeping eye contact. It signals attentiveness, builds trust and reduces distractions, making the speaker feel valued and heard during the conversation.
Avoid interruptingLet the speaker finish before responding, as interrupting breaks their flow and shows a lack of respect. Patience allows for complete understanding and fosters mutual respect in communication.
Use open body languageNod occasionally, face the speaker and keep arms relaxed. These nonverbal cues show you’re engaged and approachable, encouraging the speaker to continue sharing freely.
Eliminate distractionsPut away phones and focus fully. External distractions, like screens or noise, pull attention away and signal disinterest. This makes active listening harder and less meaningful.
Paraphrase and reflectRepeat what you heard in your own words to confirm understanding. This shows attentiveness and provides clarity, helping to avoid miscommunication
Ask thoughtful questionsInquire with curiosity, not judgment. Open-ended questions show you’re processing what’s being said and encourage deeper conversation.
Hold back judgmentStay open-minded and refrain from forming conclusions too quickly. Judging disrupts empathy and can discourage the speaker from expressing themselves honestly and openly.
Be fully presentFocus your thoughts on the moment. Don’t think about your response while they’re talking, as genuine presence helps build deeper understanding and respect.
Use affirming gesturesSmall nods, ‘mm-hmm’ sounds, or soft smiles encourage the speaker and show you’re emotionally present. It helps maintain flow and makes the speaker feel supported.
Practice patienceSome people take time to express themselves. Avoid rushing them. Giving space for pauses or silence can deepen trust and reveal more meaningful insights.