Listen and check understanding · D5.14

Acknowledge someone’s experience

Someone is describing an everyday frustration and you want to respond thoughtfully.

Everyday practice

Try these steps

1. Listen for what they say was difficult.
2. Acknowledge that experience without claiming you know exactly how they feel.
3. Ask whether they want listening, help thinking, or something else.

An example

“That sounds like a frustrating wait. Would you like me to listen, or help you think through what to do?”

Reflect

Did your response fit what they wanted from the conversation?

Next time

Let their answer guide the next part of the conversation.