10 practical lessons from I Hear You: The Surprisingly Simple Skill Behind Extraordinary Relationships by Michael S. Sorensen:

1. Practice Active Listening: Develop the habit of active listening, focusing on the speaker's words and nonverbal cues without interruption or distraction.

2. Cultivate Empathetic Understanding: Seek to understand the emotions and perspectives of others, demonstrating empathy and validating their experiences without judgment.

3. Engage in Reflective Listening: Reflect back the speaker's thoughts and feelings to demonstrate understanding and convey that their words have been heard and acknowledged.

4. Validate Emotions: Acknowledge and validate the emotions expressed by others, recognizing their significance and demonstrating empathy and support.

5. Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage meaningful dialogue by asking open-ended questions that invite deeper exploration and understanding of the speaker's experiences.

6. Be Fully Present: Practice being fully present in conversations, setting aside distractions and giving the speaker your undivided attention.

7. Express Empathy Verbally: Use empathetic language to convey understanding and support, expressing care and concern for the speaker's well-being.

8. Avoid Judgment and Assumptions: Refrain from making assumptions or passing judgment, creating a safe and non-judgmental space for open communication.

9. Seek Clarification: Clarify any points of confusion or ambiguity to ensure accurate understanding of the speaker's message and feelings.

10. Show Appreciation: Express gratitude for the speaker's willingness to share their thoughts and feelings, acknowledging the value of their contribution to the relationship.