What the guidelines for effective listening?

1. Give the speaker your full attention: Make eye contact, put away distractions, and show that you are actively engaged in the conversation.

2. Avoid interrupting: Let the speaker finish their thoughts before responding. Interrupting can disrupt the flow of the conversation and make the speaker feel unheard.

3. Show empathy and understanding: Try to put yourself in the speaker's shoes and understand their perspective. Show empathy by acknowledging their feelings and emotions.

4. Ask clarifying questions: If you are unsure about something the speaker said, ask for clarification to ensure you fully understand their message.

5. Reflect back what you heard: Paraphrase or summarize what the speaker said to show that you were actively listening and understood their message.

6. Avoid judgment and assumptions: Listen with an open mind and refrain from making assumptions or passing judgment on the speaker's thoughts or feelings.

7. Be patient: Allow the speaker to express themselves fully without rushing or cutting them off. Give them the time and space to communicate effectively.

8. Provide feedback: Offer constructive feedback or validation to show that you are actively engaged in the conversation and value the speaker's input.

9. Practice active listening: Focus on the speaker's words, tone, and body language to fully understand their message. Show that you are engaged and interested in what they have to say.

10. Follow up: After the conversation, follow up with the speaker to show that you were listening and to clarify any points that may have been unclear.