3 Ways to Listen Without Reacting

Listening is harder than speaking. Even the best listeners sometimes have difficulty not reacting, interrupting, or consoling the person talking. Here are three ways you can genuinely listen:

• Avoid distractions. This doesn't just mean putting down your phone or closing your web browser. Try not to plan what you're going to say next. Just focus on what the other person is saying.

• Repeat back. This may feel ridiculous, but repeating what you heard shows the other person you're listening to.

• Ask thoughtful questions. Open-ended questions will help you see the issue more clearly and allow your conversation partner to go deeper into what is important to her.