Asking the questions, Listening to the answers!

Listening Skills & Questioning Techniques

1. Creating a Supportive Environment

• Clear, positive communication

• Respect for different perspectives

• Allowing emotions to be expressed without judgment

• Encouraging full expression

2. Active Listening Components

• Intensity/ Focus: Full concentration on speaker

• Empathy: Understanding emotions behind words

• Acceptance: Non-judgmental attitude

• Commitment to completeness: Ensuring accuracy and depth

3. Practical Listening Skills

• Note-taking methods: Cornell, Outlining, Mapping, Charting, Sentence Method, SQ3R, Guided Notes

• Non-verbal cues: Posture, gestures, eye contact

• Semantic markers: “For example…”, “Most importantly…”

4. Listening Barriers to Avoid

• Changing topic

• Interrupting

• Daydreaming

• Pseudo-listening

• Ambushing

• Focusing only on content

5. Questioning Techniques

• Use open-ended questions

• Avoid leading questions

• Progress from general to specific

• Maintain calm, patient tone and allow silences

6. Integration in Practice

• Combining listening and questioning allows professionals to access deep parental narratives

• Supports early development and strengthens parent-child relationship