I wish I had read this piece 3 years ago when I thought my opinion magically applied to everything. But even 4 or 7 years ago.

I became Father, CEO, and Husband during these periods, respectively.

And I realized I didn't know anything. Not even now, I want to clarify it, but I have learned something the hard way, and I want to share it.

I promise: with this piece, you will have a kit of actionable elements to sound like good listeners.

⚠️Be aware: to sound like a good listener, you need humility. There is nothing more humble than keeping your mouth shut and listening to others for real.

Looking like a good listener, learning to be a good listener, led me to really become one. And I discovered the incredible power of knowing two points of view, mine and that of my interlocutor.

As a Father, CEO, and Husband.

Here are the tricks to seem like good listeners.

#1 Ask Questions.❓

• Use open-ended questions to start the conversation.

• Let others express themselves first.

• Ask clarifying questions.

#2 Confirm listening 👂

• Turn your gaze towards the interlocutor.

• "I see"

• "Um"

• Nod your head.

• Do the echo (a more complex skill that facilitates the opening of others. Interlocutor: "... and then he told me to leave!" You: "... leave ..." I: "yes, exactly, so I ... ")

#3 Be patient and be silent 🤐

• Be silent, your opinion is useless.

• Don't frown.

• Do not drum with your fingers.

• Accept the pauses of silence, which are moments where the other person clarifies her thoughts.

• Don't intervene right away.

Now my taunt: now that you've made an effort to "sound good listeners," why not be, really?

How to handle what you have just read is entirely up to you.