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Effective Listening

Tips for Establishing Open Communication

1. Create helpful nonverbal messages.
  • Establish eye contact.  Occasionally let your eyes drift away.
  • Nod your head occasionally.
  • Maintain an alert facial expression.
  • If sitting, lean forward slightly to show your interest.
2. Use encouraging posture to encourage open communication.
  • Unfold your arms and legs.
  • Unclasp your hands.
  • Avoid furniture between you and the other person.
  • Avoid standing over a person and talking "down."
3. Speak in an average voice tone and rate.
4. Stop what you are doing.  Focus on the speaker's message.
5. Be sincere.
6. Show respect.

Communication Blunders

Spreading Rumors
Judging Others
Stone-Walling (refusing to communicate)
Avoiding the Topic
Sugar-Coating Your Comments
Name-Calling

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