Good communication is necessary for positive relationships. Communication begins with listening. If you want to improve your relationship, listen more effectively.

Keys to Effective Listening:

1. Re-state or re-phrase. Respond to the speaker with a restatement of what the speaker said to assure that you understood the message.

2. Complete the loop. Listen, respond, and then wait for the speaker to affirm or deny your understanding. That way you will not make decisions/statements based upon incorrect information.

3. Hidden message. Attend to an hidden message or alternate agenda in the speaker's statement.

4. Emotional message. What feelings accompany the speakers' statement? The feelings are as important as the words.