Effective Communication: The Pitfalls of Relating and the Art of Active Listening

When we’re taught to communicate, we often hear that the best practice is to relate someone’s story back to our own experiences. However, this isn’t always – or even mostly – good and may not always get positive results. In this blog post, we’ll explore the pitfalls of this approach and delve into the importance of active listening in fostering meaningful connections.

The Pitfall of Self-Relatability

When we automatically tie someone else’s story to our experiences, the intended empathy can get lost. Instead of fostering understanding, it might come across as redirecting the conversation. This can result in an awkward pause, leaving both parties unsure of how to proceed.

The Disconnection and Frustration

Consistently responding with personal experiences may create a sense of disconnection and frustration. Recognizing this is crucial for improving communication dynamics.

The Art of Active Listening

Active listening, an alternative approach, giving your full attention to what someone is saying without interrupting, fixing, or debating. When we are done, we can ask open-ended questions that encourage them to share more. These usually start with the words “What…” or “How…” By doing this, you demonstrate genuine interest and make them feel heard, fostering a stronger connection, which are generally to normalize what someone is feeling or make them feel less along.

Two Instances Where Sharing is Caring

While generally avoiding self-relatability is advised, there are instances where sharing personal experiences can enhance the conversation. Stay tuned for the next video, where we’ll explore these scenarios and discuss how thoughtful sharing can elevate the dialogue.

Mastering the art of communication requires finesse. While the instinct to relate to others is common, it’s crucial to recognize its limitations. Embracing active listening and understanding when to share personal experiences can foster deeper connections and more meaningful conversations.

Watch our YouTube short video on this topic here - https://www.youtube.com/shorts/I64_qGe7pFE