Empathy is the ability to share someone else’s feelings or experiences by imagining what it would be like to be in their situation. It’s a simple concept, but it may be the very thing we humans need most.

When you’re communicating with empathy, you’re basically telling them that you get what they’re going through, and that you share their experience.

“Empathy begins with understanding life from another person’s perspective. Nobody has an objective experience of reality. It’s all through our own individual prisms.” Sterling K. Brown

Steps To Communicating With Empathy

1. Tone Of Voice

   A positive tone of voice can be different depending on the context (formal vs. informal setting). Here are some questions to ask yourself as you’re approaching the conversation?

   • What is their current situation?

   • How do they feel?

   • What are their concerns?

   • How can I support them?

   Those questions will give you more information as to what’s going on, and to decide on the tone of voice that would be most appropriate.

2. Acknowledge Their Fears

   Displaying empathy through solidarity can ease concerns.  Everyone has the right to feel a certain way, including fearful, and it’s okay to let them know that.

   Statements such as “you are right to feel the way you do” and “it’s easy to be fearful at times like this” can build openness to discussion and help move them towards a feeling of hope.

3. Put Yourself In Their Shoes

   As you’re putting themselves in their shoes, it’ll be crucial to understand that what they’re going through is based on their own perspectives. As such, you’ll want to allow space for them to speak and to ensure that you are really listening to what they have to say.

   Additionally, it’s helpful to be understanding regarding what they’re going through. We all make mistakes and at different times, we’ll take actions that may go against our typical character. Therefore, it’s important to be mindful of that and be considerate before offering advice.

4. Be Present

   Being present in a conversation means being fully conscious of the moment you’re in, and to avoid as many distractions as possible.

   That means allowing a space where you’re considering the other person’s feelings, you’re maintaining eye contact and giving them cues that you’re actually listening to them. For more info on how to present in a conversation, feel free to check out this article.

If you’re interested in reading more, check out the other blogs. 

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