How to Be a Better Listener

Anne DeSantis lists three keys to improving our listening skills.

Why is Listening Important?

As moms and as women of faith, listening is an important skill in day-to-day life. Whether attending to a child in need of attention, in conversation with a spouse or loved one, or in being attuned to what is happening in the present moment, good listening is integral way to live out the faith. Some people are truly naturally proficient in listening to others, but for most it is an acquired skill.

Here are a few ways to do a better job at it!

Pay Close Attention to the Words

One of the best ways to listen is to use your ears and listen to the words someone is saying. Many times, we tend to focus on body language, facial expressions, and hand movements. These are ways people communicate, but words are a speaker's thought-out choice on exactly what they wish to express. When we focus on the words and not as much on the body language, and when we take the time to process those words, we are giving the person a chance to express what they wish to say.

Repeat Back

When we repeat the words someone has communicated to us, we are showing them that we are attempting to understand. Repeating some of the words they use back to them in response shows the person that we are doing our best to follow their lead. People appreciate quality listening skills such as repeating words back to demonstrate there is an attempt to fully understand the story at hand.

Remember

Another way to be a better listener is to remember the facts of a story and the information which was expressed. People appreciate it when we remember what they told us. It means a great deal to them to be heard and cared about in this way.

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Good listening is integral way to live out the faith. #catholicmom

The Lord will guide us in being better listeners, in loving others, and in making the practice of listening part of who we are both now and in the future. Practice this newfound skill with your family and with everyone you meet.

Copyright 2022 Anne DeSantis
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