Communication includes 2 very specific elements: 1) a participant who is speaking; 2) a participant who is listening. Often, the participants change-off these functions. The contribution of BOTH of these is essential to effective communication!
The following are 3 Tips to Help You Be a More-effective Listener: 1) Maintain a Loving, Caring Demeanor — let your partner KNOW by your body language that you care to hear his/her ideas and, as a result, to know him/her better;
2) Ask Questions for Clarification — this allows you to hear your partner’s true thoughts and feelings about the matter being communicated.
3) HEAR What Your Partner Is Saying — rather than thinking about what you want to reply/rebutt, focus on each word that your partner is sharing. This conveys that you care.