How To EC 3

Valerie's One-pager

Empathy circles Materials Doc

Empathy Circle (One-pager)

[suggested revisions by Valerie]

OBJECTIVE

To listen deeply to the speaker so they feel genuinely heard and supported

ROLES

Each person takes a turn as the Speaker, Active Listener, and Silent Listener

HOW TO

• 1. The first Speaker invites someone to listen to them

  2. Speaker talks about whatever comes up for them

  3. Active Listener actively listens and reflects back what they are hearing until the Speaker feels heard to their satisfaction

  4. The Speaker will signal the close of their turn by saying “Thank you. I feel heard.”

SPEAKER TIPS

· Pause often to give the Active Listener a chance to reflect back what they have heard.

· Remember: you are guiding the Listener to hear you to your satisfaction.

ACTIVE LISTENER TIPS

· Signal active listening with your engaged body language and eye contact.

· Be present, open and focused on the Speaker.

· Reflect back, summarize or paraphrase what you hear as best you can.

· Don’t worry about getting it “right.” Speaker will guide you how they want to be heard.

· Refrain from asking questions, judging, analyzing, diagnosing, advising, or sympathizing.

SILENT TIMEKEEPER TIPS

· You can listen and be present silently.

· Remember: you will soon have a turn to actively listen and speak.

REFLECTION PROMPT

· “What’s alive in you?