Want to be a better friend, colleague or family? Improve your active listening skills. If you have someone going through a difficult time or major life event, let them know you are there to listen and support them.

Here are some simple tips on how to be a better listener:

• Repeat what the person has said. (Ex. “So you are saying that…” or “I have heard you say that…”
• Ask questions that require more than a one word answer. (Ex.”How did you celebrate your victory?”)
• Encourage more discussion and clarify (Ex. “Tell me more” or “And then what happen.”)