{"id":3699,"date":"2021-07-07T12:48:00","date_gmt":"2021-07-07T12:48:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/host-students.com\/uncategorized\/how-to-be-a-better-listener-samaritans-talk-to-us-campaign\/"},"modified":"2025-10-09T13:55:18","modified_gmt":"2025-10-09T13:55:18","slug":"how-to-be-a-better-listener-samaritans-talk-to-us-campaign","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/host-students.com\/information\/how-to-be-a-better-listener-samaritans-talk-to-us-campaign\/","title":{"rendered":"How to be a better listener – Samaritans Talk to us Campaign"},"content":{"rendered":"

What makes a good listener?<\/p>\n

Samaritans are returning this month with their annual awareness campaign #WeListen to get people talking and, more importantly, listening to each other \u2013 whatever time of day or night and whatever the situation.<\/p>\n

It can be difficult to build up the courage to talk to someone about your problems. But it can also be just as challenging knowing the best way to listen to the problems of others \u2013 when to say something and \u2013 more importantly \u2013 when not to say anything.<\/p>\n

You can learn more about the Samaritans campaign here<\/a>. Below we talk about how to take the right steps to being the best support system for someone else by simply lending an ear…<\/p>\n

\n

The set up to that conversation<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s important to make sure that if you agree to talk to someone that both of you are in a comfortable setting. And setting time aside just for this is important. Invite them over for a catch up or meet them for a drink. Go for a walk if the weather is nice (or share an umbrella if it\u2019s not).<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\n

Talk less, listen more.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Being present is so important. Not letting distractions like your phone or laptop get in the way. Don\u2019t concentrate too hard on what you will say. It will already mean so much to that person that they have the freedom with you to let out and share what they have been keeping inside.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\n

Silence is def-finitely what is needed.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Silence doesn\u2019t have to be awkward. Or even filled with comments when you’re simply listening. Silence can give you time to reflect on the conversation. The other person may be thinking through their thoughts so you shouldn’t be too concerned.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\n

Use positive body language.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Having an upright and open posture shows that you are listening and attentive to the other persons words. Keep from crossing your arms as that could be seen as off putting. Your stance should be friendly and open. The great thing with body language is that it’s mostly subconscious – if you genuinely are ready to be there for someone it will come across without having to think about it too much.<\/p>\n

Make eye contact when you are communicating with each other. Offer small words of encouragement if you think they may be needed but don’t do it just to fill the space.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\n

Ask Questions.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

You might want to wait until they\u2019ve said everything they wanted to say before asking questions. Questioning what you have been told and prompting them to share more shows that you have listened and actively want to learn more about their situation.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\n

Don\u2019t talk about what someone has shared with you \u2013 with someone else.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If someone has taken the time to share their personal and often very sensitive thoughts with you \u2013 they probably don\u2019t want that spread around.<\/p>\n

As a good listener you should keep that private unless they ask you to share. You\u2019ve been untrusted with someone\u2019s feelings.<\/p>\n

Remember that you are entitled to receive the same treatment and care if you need someone to listen to you. It should be a two-way exchange.<\/p>\n

\n

Samaritans<\/a> are available 24 hours a day if you need support. You can read our blog about keeping in touch with your mates here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

For their annual campaign, Samaritans are bringing back #WeListen to get people talking to each other. Being a good listener is part of helping to share problems with your friends and provide them with the best support. We talk about how best to do that.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":3706,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[53,54,55,56],"subject":[71,67],"location-tax":[],"class_list":["post-3699","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-information","category-new-students","category-parents","category-university-students","subject-lifestyle","subject-student-tips"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nHow to be a better listener | Student UK - Blog | Host<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Samaritans Talk to Us campaign aims to raise awareness about getting in touch with them if someone is struggling through local events.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/host-students.com\/information\/how-to-be-a-better-listener-samaritans-talk-to-us-campaign\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to be a better listener - 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