Do you have one of those people in your life who just KNOWS how to listen? It becomes almost impossible to NOT open up to them when they ask how you’re doing. If you’re lucky, you know more than one amazing listener, but sadly they are hard to find. In his new book, “I Hear You: The Surprisingly Simple Skill Behind Extraordinary Relationships,” Michael Sorensen examines the one thing that is usually missing when we have conversations and teaches simple ways to become that person whom others want to speak with.
The skill, as it turns out, is validation. Sorensen looks at the concept of validation from both research and personal experience, and breaks down the elements of effectively validating others. More than simple reflective listening (the practice of repeating back what you heard so that the speaker knows you were listening), validation involves matching emotional tone and using words that give the speaker a sense of you truly understanding them.
If you’ve ever wanted to become a better listener, avoid frustration in your relationships, or develop skills that will help you communicate more effectively, this is a great read. It’s also a short book or Audible listen, which is a bonus! We highly recommend “I Hear You” to our friends and clients.
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