How to be a good listener:
- Make time to listen
- Be aware of your body language, tone of voice and posture. Show you are paying attention by how you sit or stand
- Show interest through your tone of voice
- Listen without interrupting. Let them talk – don't interrupt
- Try not to show shock or surprise
- Encourage your mate to fully explain talk through what they are thinking and feeling
- Don't make light of their experience
- Don't look for a quick fix solution
- Sympathise with them about how difficult it must be
- Ask your mate what they want to do about the problem
- Explore what else can done or who else can help
If you don't think you can help your mate by listening to them, there are a couple of other things you can do.
You could suggest they talk to their GP, a community health worker, a psychologist, or call Lifeline on 13 11 14 (24 hrs)
Side Panel
Ask your mate what they want to do about the problem