Final answer:
Listening involves nonverbal cues like maintaining eye contact, understanding body language, and using facial expressions to show engagement and empathy. Actively participating and adapting to the conversational dynamics enhances communication while reflecting on interactions can improve your ability to connect and be inclusive.
Step-by-step explanation:
Listening is an undervalued yet essential skill in building rapport. It entails paying attention to the underlying emotion behind a comment and observing your own emotional responses. Sitting with a patient and nonverbally communicating interest and involvement can involve maintaining eye contact, reading body language, and being conscious of your facial expressions and gestures. These actions demonstrate to the speaker that you are engaged, understanding, and progressing emotionally with them.
During interactions, it's important to participate actively by asking questions for clarification, offering ideas, and adapting to the situation. This reflects a commitment to intentional communication and sociability. Furthermore, body positioning, such as an open stance versus crossed arms or fidgeting, conveys information about your interest and feelings towards the conversation.
For heightened reflexive communication, it's advisable to find commonalities to connect, be willing to adapt, and watch for influences that create barriers. Reflecting on your communication and making an effort to center and elevate all voices are also crucial for effective engagement.