Listening is so important because it builds trust and understanding, shows care for the other person and will help you unlock a treasure trove of information.

So, what can you do to become a better listener? Practice these important active listening skills every day:

1. Practice silence and learn the power of the pause. Allow others to speak without interjecting.
2. Work on communicating nonverbally. Remember things like how close you are to the other person (proxemics) or how you move (kinesics) all contribute to the way you communicate.
3. Learn to encourage others to speak more by asking open-ended questions and use phrases like, “tell me more.”
4. Try parroting, or repeating what the other is saying after they say it. It shows interest without you interjecting your own feelings or thoughts.
5. Or experiment with paraphrasing. Paraphrasing is like parroting, but in your own words. Learn how to check for understanding by sharing with the other what you are hearing from them.
6. Active listening is all about showing empathy. Empathy means doing your best to feel as another person feels, or put yourself in their position.

Source: https://blog.funeralone.com/grow-your-business/funeral-marketing/good-listener-funeral-profession/