Effective Communication Techniques in Supportive Conversations
Encouraging Openness in Conversations
Creating a comfortable environment:
When starting a conversation, focus on making the other person feel at ease:
- Show genuine interest and active listening.
- Provide empathic support by understanding their perspective.
- Ensure they feel heard and supported in sharing their concerns.
- Set aside uninterrupted time for the conversation to maintain focus.
Understanding Empathic Support
Defining empathy:
Empathy means understanding someone else's feelings and experiences without fully immersing yourself in them:
- Listen attentively and reflectively.
- Acknowledge their emotions and provide supportive responses.
- Offer assistance in a non-intrusive manner.
- Respect their need for confidentiality and trust.
Avoiding Unhelpful Behaviours
Things to avoid when empathizing:
- Being distracted or not fully attentive.
- Allowing interruptions such as phone calls or knocks on the door.
- Starting a conversation when you are preoccupied or under pressure.
Importance of Body Language
Using effective body language:
- Maintain good eye contact and an open, relaxed posture.
- Be mindful of your gestures and avoid fidgeting or looking away.
- Observe the other person's body language and mirror it subtly.
- Avoid defensive gestures like crossing arms or appearing distracted.