What is active listening, how can «I-statements» help to avoid conflicts and how to learn to build a constructive dialogue?
Much of what we know about effective communication methods was developed by psychologist Thomas Gordon. His model is based on three basic principles. Active listening is a retelling of exactly how we understood the interlocutor’s message (without adding our thoughts and references to our own experience). «I-statement» allows you to talk about your feelings in the first person, to report about yourself, about your experience, without judging the other person. (Instead of «Your music makes my head spin,» it is said «Loud music tires me.») Conflict resolution without losers, by mutual agreement. It is with the help of these principles that Gordon teaches to overcome barriers in communication and resolve conflicts, building a constructive dialogue between (completely different) participants: parents, teachers, children.
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Progress
The best way to master the method of effective communication is training. The practical part of the classes includes teaching the skills of active listening, «I-statements», discussion and exchange of opinions.