The most effective method to be a decent audience: Tips on being there for somebody when they need it

Abstract

Communication, once thought of as a soft skill for clinicians, is now recognized as an essential skill. This article asserts that listening is the foundation of good communication and that all clinicians can become better listeners if they have the desire to improve and are intentional about how they approach listening. The authors share strategies to help clinicians improve their skills: listening with curiosity, reflective listening, empathic listening, listening for discrepancies and listening in silence.