Practical tips to improve empathy

Don't interrupt to tell your own story

Empathy is a skill that can be trained. Here are some practical tips. The first is to learn to listen without interrupting.

Often, when someone tells us a problem, we jump in to tell our own story. This, although well-intentioned, steals the other person's space.

Avoid making value judgments about the other person's behavior

The second tip is to avoid value judgments. When someone shares something, we shouldn't become judges.

Phrases like "what you did was wrong" are not very empathetic. The person may just need to vent.

Monitor your nonverbal language to show interest and openness

Third, it is vital to monitor our nonverbal language. We can be silent, but if our face shows boredom, the message is clear.

We must adopt an open posture and show with our body that we are paying attention.

Don't overinterpret hidden intentions; just listen.

Finally, we must not overinterpret. Sometimes, while we are listening, our mind begins to jump to conclusions about hidden intentions.

We must silence that voice and focus on what the person is saying. These tips help create a space of trust and connection.

Summary

Listening with empathy means not interrupting with our own experiences, as this can take the spotlight away from those who need to be heard and express their emotions freely.

It is also important to avoid passing judgment on what we are told. Authentic empathy does not analyze or correct; it simply accompanies and validates the other person's feelings without criticizing.

Finally, we must be careful with nonverbal language and avoid overinterpretation. Showing interest with your body and listening without jumping to conclusions strengthens interpersonal connection and trust.