4.02 listen to understand FLVS peer counseling

Body language is

• the way you make words with your hands

• the way you make words by nodding your head

• the way you speak by blinking your eyes tightly

• the way you speak with your entire body

How can you be an active listener?

• By listening briefly while thinking about what you want to say

• By pretending to listen while thinking about something else

• By listening selectively only to the parts you want to hear

• By listening with the goal of understanding the person

A good listener

• listens only and doesn't ask any questions

• digs deeper and gets below the surface

• talks about his or her own experiences and problems

• downplays the problem and changes the subject

You can show positive body language with your mouth

• by keeping your mouth closed except to say "yes" or "uh-huh"

• by pressing your lips tightly together to show disapproval

• by keeping your mouth closed and not responding at all

• by pressing your lips together and sighing loudly at times

When listening to someone in trouble, you should be

• turned toward the person

• distracted by your cell phone

• tossing a ball in your hands

• interrupting to ask questions