The LSF method is a cyclical process and continually repeats itself. This enables him to ask specific questions that follow up on the topic. By applying summaries again and again, the listener gets a clearer picture of what the other person is speaking about. It can also have a powerful effect to repeat the words that the speaker has been using.

Paraphrasing is part of summarising it’s aimed at one or several key words that accurately portray the story. It stands for Listening – Summarising – Follow-up (LSF).īy really listening to someone else and summarising in your mind what he’s saying, the listener is able to use paraphrasing to show the other that he’s heard what has been said. Listening – Summarising – Follow-up (LSF)Ī common way to achieve empathic listening is the LSF technique. Be sure to keep the goal of the conversation in mind. Try not to do this and give the other the opportunity to tell his whole story.Įspecially advice can lead to resistance from the other interlocutor and even cause him to stop speaking spontaneously. A common pitfall is that the listener starts giving advice or sharing his opinion. The person speaking should not just have the feeling that he’s being understood he also needs to feel safe and consider the person he’s speaking to, to be reliable.Īdditionally, it’s a good idea to focus on the person speaking during the conversation, and don’t let yourself be distracted. Every person criticises and judges, but for empathic listening, it’s important to avoid this as much as possible and listen without any judgement. It’s best to start the conversation with open and/or neutral questions. Pay attention to them, look them in the eyes and begin with a general question about for instance the weather or other small talk to set the mood.

When the other arrives, it’s important that they feel comfortable right away. Therefore, create a space that allows this.Īs listener, by concentrating in advance on the conversation you’re going to have, you can clear your own mind. Possible disruptions should be avoided, for instance other people entering, phones ringing or other annoying sounds. There are different ways to give the person you’re speaking with the feeling that he’s being fully understood through empathic listening skills.įirst, the room in which the conversation is taking place has to be pleasant and comfortable. It’s very possible to have different opinions, but still understand why the other feels differently about a certain matter. This leads to a more intense contact between both people in a conversation and the speaker feels valued.Įmpathic listening is not about both speakers having the same opinion.

In addition to listening to the actual message, this method allows you to listen to the emotional undertone. Do you want unlimited ad-free access and templates? Find out more

Empathic listening definition