The secret behind building good relationships is communication skills. While what we say and how we say it matter, listening is just as important. And it’s not just about listening for the sake of it—it’s about listening in a way that makes the other person feel seen and heard—a skill known as empathetic listening.
When a motivational speaker in Singapore or any other country talks, they sound inspiring and empowering. Why? It’s because of their impeccable communication skills. Motivational speakers are good orators and empathetic listeners. They focus entirely on the audience’s emotions and experiences to connect with them and understand what they are saying and where it is coming from.
Who Can Be an Empathetic Listener?
Anybody and everybody!
Empathy is the art of listening to someone profoundly. It goes beyond just hearing words and focuses on connecting with hurting people in a safe space.
An empathetic listener is present and closely focuses on the conversation. They are compassionate, wise, and nonjudgmental about others’ thoughts and feelings. These individuals stay patient throughout the process and allow others to speak freely.
Although empathetic listening primarily means listening to the speaker’s thoughts without interjecting, there will be times when the speaker may look for validation. The listener must be responsive and provide clarification.
Why Does Empathetic Listening Matter?
Empathetic listening is a powerful experience. The concept of being heard gives individuals a deep sense of importance. They feel their existence matters, and what they think or experience does make a difference.
Becoming an empathetic listener has unique benefits.
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You Understand and Appreciate People
When you attentively listen to others, their perspectives, emotions, and challenges, you gradually develop a sense of appreciation and understand their thoughts and what they are trying to convey.
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You Resolve Conflicts Faster
Empathetic listening helps you pick up cues you might have missed during a heated conversation. It lets you and the other person explain clearly, which reduces miscommunications and verbal spats.
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You Build Stronger Relationships and Deeper Connections
Empathetic listening nurtures trust and bonding. People don’t fear being judged and comfortably share their feelings to have genuine conversations. Furthermore, empathetic listening helps reduce distractions and focus on people’s words and feelings, thus building stronger professional and personal relationships.
Becoming an Empathetic Listener—Three Things to Consider
Here are a few practical tips to polish your empathetic listening skills. Give them a try!
1. Create a Comfortable Space
Let’s say your friend’s lifelong dream is to work in Singapore. Sadly, for some reason or another, he misses the opportunity. As friends, you may share healthy jokes about it to make him feel better, which most friends would do. But try being empathetic instead. Give your friend a safe space to open up and discuss things. Let their misery, frustration, and disappointment speak, and you listen quietly. When they see you listening calmly, they will eventually calm down and feel better about themselves.
2. Give Undivided Attention
When someone confides in you, it could be because they don’t know how to deal with the situation. Instead of worrying about your deadlines or what response to give, focus on offering your full attention. Just put yourself in your friend’s shoes and think, how would you feel if someone isn’t listening to you when you share something important? So stay in the moment!
3. Be Respectful and Encouraging
Empathetic listening is all about understanding what the other person is saying and how they are feeling without being judgmental. Pay attention to their body language, subtle changes in their voice, and expressions to understand how they think. Recall similar situations from your life and validate their emotions. However, don’t be pushy! Let them speak at their own pace and allow them moments to be silent. Even if you disagree with their ideas, avoid giving biased judgments and respect their feelings.
To Conclude
Empathetic listening matters today to build connections, improve communication, and foster positive interactions. By actively listening, you can understand others’ perspectives, resolve conflicts, and enhance personal and professional growth. Practice the above suggestions to leverage this powerful communication tool to your benefit.
