And we thought conversation meant to talk, talk and talk. 😄

Generally when people are in conversation the focus is on them talking and the other person listening.

Even when they listen they actually just wait politely for their turn to speak.

But a real conversation is something more, it is engaging with another person to understand them, what they are talking about. 🤠

This requires attentive listening, which requires discipline, intention, and effort to be fully present to another person when they are speaking to us.

Try these tips for active listening:

1. Truly focus your attention on the speaker and not be distracted by what is going on around you.

2. Quiet yourself internally, so that you are not distracted by your own thoughts and concerns.

3. Listen to truly understand, instead of simply listening in order to respond.

4. Avoid the temptation to steer the conversation back to your lives and your concerns.

5. Lastly, offer the other the gift of your time.😃

Try these tips and be a great listener.