WHAT EXACTLY DOES IT MEAN TO LISTEN NON-JUDGMENTALLY WHILE COMMUNICATING?

Listening non-judgmentally is to actively listen to what the other person is saying and not be influenced by your own train of thoughts or subjective judgement. These are some pointers that will empower you to become a keen, emphatic and non-judgmental listener:

• Not only should you listen to what the other person is saying, but endeavor to HEAR what he or she is saying.

• Don't allow your personal bias, beliefs and or expectations to get in the way.

• Try not to jump to an early conclusion or hasty generalization, without hearing the facts and sufficient information.

• Desist from interrupting the speaker as least as possible because if you speak while the other person is speaking, you will not be able to hear what they are saying.

• Silence is golden and this will enable you to hear both what the person is saying and not saying.

• Allow the person enough time to complete what he or she is saying.

• While remaining silent as you listen, ensure that you use attending behaviors to assure the person that you are in fact listening attentively. E.g. I see, nodding of the head etc.

• Allow minimal distractions while listening and concentrate on what is being said.

• Ensure that you listen with an open mind.

• Try to offer options and even suggestions, as opposed to giving specific advice. This approach will give the other person the space and time to make their own discovery of the solutions to the problem(s). However, don't hesitate to give authentic feedback at the end.

• Master the art of posing meaningful questions - this is very important in this process.

• Be respectful to the other party, while displaying empathy.

• Be very attentive as you pay close attention to behaviors which are not verbalized.

• Endeavor to maintain eye contact throughout the conversation.

• Make sure that you comprehend what was said and if not, ask questions that will enable you to understand.

• At the end, try to summarize the conversation to establish full understanding of what was said.