THE VETERANS' PRESS: Listen more, talk less

Effective communication starts with good listening. “Coaching into Care” often advises callers to listen more, talk less. Listening is more than hearing, it’s understanding not only what is being said but how, the emotions behind it. Some tips for becoming an engaged listener:

• Focus fully on the speaker and minimize distractions.

• Avoid interrupting. You can’t concentrate on what someone is saying if you’re focused on what you are going to say next.

• Try to set aside judgment and withhold blame and criticism in order to fully understand them.

• Provide feedback, reflect what has been said by paraphrasing, e.g. “what I’m hearing is,” “Sounds like you are saying.”

Find more tips for successful communication on the “Coaching into Care” website at: https://www.mirecc.va.gov/coaching/tips-for-family-friends.asp