What does a Good Listener do?

Over a number of recent peer support training courses conducted by ESN, participants have been asked to consider the communication exercises they have completed and decide the behaviours a "good listener" uses. Many of the lists collated have been very long, with up to 30 items. The following is a list of the TOP TEN supportive listening behaviours, as suggested by peer supporters.

1. Be interested in what the other person has to say.
2. Ask open-ended questions.
3. Use verbal and non-verbal encouragement.
4. Show positive, interested body language.
5. Focus on what the other person is saying, rather than your response.
6. Acknowledge appropriately with questions and paraphrasing.
7. Clarify any information you don't understand.
8. Give the other person time to answer questions and share information.
9. Stay at a comfortable distance from the person your listening to.
10. Use a firm, but encouraging tone of voice when speaking