Scenario:
* Speaker: "I'm so frustrated with my new job. It's just not what I expected, and I'm starting to feel really stressed."
* Listener: "I understand you're feeling frustrated and stressed. Can you tell me more about what's making it difficult for you?"
Explanation:
* Active Listening: The listener acknowledges the speaker's feelings ("I understand...") before asking a clarifying question. This demonstrates active listening and shows empathy.
* Open-Ended Question: The listener uses an open-ended question ("Can you tell me more...") to encourage the speaker to elaborate and share more details. This allows for deeper understanding and avoids simply offering advice.
* Focus on Understanding: The question focuses on the speaker's experience, prompting them to explain their perspective further.
Additional Examples of Questioning:
* "It sounds like you're feeling overwhelmed. What specifically is contributing to that feeling?"
* "I hear you saying you're disappointed. Can you tell me more about your expectations versus reality?"
* "You mentioned stress. Can you describe what kind of stress you're experiencing?"
Key Points about Questioning:
* Purpose: To clarify, encourage further elaboration, show understanding, and demonstrate genuine interest.
* Timing: Ask questions strategically, not to interrupt, but to seek more information and build on what the speaker has already shared.
* Type: Focus on open-ended questions that allow for detailed responses. Avoid "yes/no" questions.
* Tone: Use a neutral and inquisitive tone, avoiding judgment or advice-giving.
By using questioning effectively, you can demonstrate strong listening skills and build a deeper understanding of the speaker's perspective.