Empathetic listening

This is a way of listening, responding and connecting to another person so they feel heard and understood.

• inquisitive listening

• committed listening

• empathetic listening

• autobiographical listening

What is not empathetic listening?

• Telling a story about yourself

• Putting yourself in the other's shoes

• Solving the other's problems

Being an empathetic listener is a benefit because people want ...

• you to solve their problems

• to be listened and understood

• to blow off their responsibility

Empathetic listening is not ...

• agreeing with somebody against your own values just to calm them down

• listening carefully to somebody

• Understanding how somebody feels

How should you reflect back the other person's feelings?

• Ignore their positive emotions

• Analyze and evaluate their emotions

• Use complex language to communicate their feelings

• Keep it simple and use plain language

What does it look like to listen with empathy? (choose 3)

• It has to be genuine.

• It has to solve a problem.

• Listen to both verbal and nonverbal communication.

• Reflecting back to them what you sense they are feeling.

What are some things you can say to someone to show empathy? (Choose 3)

• "If I were in your shoes, I'd feel the same way too. "

• "You should try exercise."

• "That's frustrating."

• "Calm down."

• "Wow."