B.R.I.E.F A way of listening!

How to become a better listener?

The following attending behaviors are skills which we can learn and practice to improve our ability to listen. An way easy to remember them is to remember this simple formula B.R.I.E.F:

B: Body posture including gestures and movements etc. which communicate attentiveness.

R: Respect for the other person's right to speak and be heard.

I: Intimacy involves creating a safe caring environment in which ideas and feelings can be expressed freely.

E: Eye contact communicates interest and attention

F:Following is both verbal and non-verbal. It is an invitation to say more. Verbal following includes statements like, "I see" or, "Tell me more about it." Non-verbal following is communicating by nodding, touching, or smiling.

You are an active listener if you have:

• Defers judgement.

• Ensures that she or he really understands what is being said by paraphrasing. Paraphrasing is repeating back in your own words what you understood to be said. This allows you to be sure you received the message as it was intended.

• Resists giving advice unless it is asked for.

• Encourages the speaker to discover her or his solution by helping to clarify the issues related to the problem (if there is one?

"The greatest gift you can give to another is the purity of your attention" ---Richard Moss, MD

Cheers!