This course teaches the concrete techniques behind real listening: reflecting back what you hear, asking clarifying questions, noticing what is left unsaid, and breaking the habit of mentally rehearsing your response while someone else is still talking.

Modules

What Real Listening Requires

Lessons

• The Difference Between Hearing and Listening Preview
• Why Your Brain Drafts Replies While Others Talk
• The Cost of Half Listening in Daily Life

Core Listening Techniques

Lessons

• Reflecting Back What You Just Heard
• Asking Clarifying Questions That Open Things Up
• Paraphrasing to Confirm You Understood Correctly

Removing Listening Blockers

Lessons

• Quieting the Urge to Plan Your Response
• Noticing When You Are Listening to Rebut
• Managing Distractions During In Person Conversations

Listening for What Is Not Said

Lessons

• Picking Up on Tone Shifts and Hesitation
• Noticing the Feeling Behind the Words
• Asking About the Gap Between Words and Body Language

Listening in Difficult Moments

Lessons

• Staying Present While Someone Vents Frustration
• Listening Without Rushing to Fix the Problem
• Holding Space for Silence Instead of Filling It

Building a Daily Listening Practice

Lessons

• A Simple Nightly Review of Your Listening
• Practicing Full Attention in Low Stakes Conversations
• Asking for Feedback on How Well You Listen