Page 32 - Effective communication Skills by Dale King

Encourage them to continue by making small comments

3. Provide Feedback

Our beliefs, judgments, assumptions, and filters can distort the things that we
hear. Being the listener, you are there to understand what they are saying.
This can sometimes require you to reflect on what they are saying and ask a
few questions.

To reflect, begin your statement with, “What I’m hearing is…” or
“Sounds like you are saying…”

Ask them clarifying questions to make sure you understand things

Summarize what they are saying from time to time

4. Defer Judgment

Interrupting isn’t helpful and just wastes time. It also frustrates the speaker
and it prevents you from understanding the message. Let them finish their
entire point before you ask them any questions.

5. Respond Appropriately

Active listening is made to help encourage understanding and respect. You
are learning new information. You aren’t going to get anything if you attack
the speaker or put them down in any way. Make sure that your response is
honest, open, and candid. Share your opinions in a respectful manner. Treat
them in a way that you think they want to be treated.

Sarcasm

Sarcasm, by definition, is “the use of irony to mock or convey contempt.”

There are people in everybody’s life who loves to use little sarcastic and
passive-aggressive modes of communication. They think their sarcasm is
well-meaning, but based on research, sarcasm is simply thinly veiled

meanness.

Sarcasm is basically a way to cover up hate or contempt. It is a quick way to
ruin a conversation as well. But why do people use sarcasm?