Want to have better, deeper conversations? Try this

The best listeners aren’t just statues absorbing information — they also know what to say and when to say it.  

• Posing clarifying or open-ended questions says to the other person you’re paying attention and encourages them to elaborate. It can also help them gain new insights and explore avenues they haven’t previously thought of. 
• Summarize. Periodically paraphrasing the other person’s message can help make them feel seen and heard and build trust.
• Listen without judgment. This means being accepting of their beliefs, values, and experiences, even when they’re different from your own. 

Nonverbal communication — the ways we express thoughts or messages without speech, like our facial expressions, body movement, posture, eye contact or touch — can be just as powerful as what we say out loud.

That’s because our facial expressions reflect our internal states — and this is a vital social skill that we begin developing from an early age.

• Make eye contact. Looking someone in the eye while they’re speaking indicates that you’re interested and invites them to continue sharing. Experts recommend using the 50/70 rule: Try to maintain eye contact 50 percent of the time when speaking, and 70 percent of the time when listening.
• Have an open posture. Active listeners often lean slightly towards the other person or tilt their head. On the other hand, if you turn away from them or look away while they’re speaking, you’ll likely appear disengaged. 
• Mirror facial expressions. Reflecting the other person’s emotions can show you empathize.