Now that the Season of Giving is upon us, one of the greatest gifts we can give to others is our time and attention. Even in the hustle and bustle of fitting in school, tryouts, performances, homework, and other responsibilities, you can be a better listener. Use the 4 tips in this video from TED Ed to make the time you have with family and friends more valuable and satisfying. (One tip is to remove all distractions from the area, including phones. One study showed that the visible presence of a phone made conversations feel less intimate and fulfilling.)
Studies show that good listening can help people feel
- heard and understood
- connected in their relationships
- open to others’ ideas when they disagree
In this season of giving, give the people in your life the gift of good listening.