Are You REALLY Listening? Here’s How to Do It Right!

Let’s get real for a second. Are you a good listener? I mean,?really?good?

Watch the full episode on YouTube.

Here’s a little story for you. Ever been mid-sentence, sharing something meaningful, and suddenly the other person jumps in with their own story? Or worse, they “yeah, me too” their way into completely hijacking the conversation? Frustrating, isn’t it? It’s like, are they actually listening—or just waiting for their turn?

That’s why I want to talk about?active listening?today. It’s more than just hearing words; it’s about fully engaging with someone. You show them you care, you’re tuned in, and you’re not just mentally crafting your response while they’re still talking.

Here’s how you can nail it:

1. Pay attention.?Phones away, distractions gone. Be there, 100%.
2. Engage verbally.?Ask open-ended questions like, “What else?” or “How did that feel?” Reflect back what you’ve heard to show you’re following along.
3. Engage nonverbally.?Nod, maintain eye contact, and throw in a genuine “Wow” or “I see.” Small signals matter.
4. Ditch judgment.?Don’t offer solutions or critique. Just listen and absorb.

Now, here’s a fun challenge for you—practice it. Next time you’re in a conversation, catch yourself before you interrupt. Test out the “What else?” trick. I promise, the more you do it, the better your relationships will feel.

Active listening isn’t just a skill; it’s a gift. Try it out this week and see what changes. Let me know how it goes—I’d love to hear about it!

Take care, Christine