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Networking

Education

Active Listening

Lisa Garrud

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Why it matters

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Who ate all the pies?

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MORE PIES

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M = Minimal Encouragers�These are subtle cues that show you’re engaged and empathetic. From a simple “And…” to a thoughtful “Interesting,” these small prompts invite the other person to keep sharing and open up more.

O = Open Questions�Think who, what, when, which, and how. Open questions encourage people to expand on their thoughts and speak freely, rather than giving one-word answers.

R = Reflecting�Repeating or mirroring the last few words of what someone said helps build rapport and shows you’re truly listening. It also encourages them to go deeper and share more.

E = Emotional Labelling�Try phrases like, “It sounds like the money is important to you,” or “I sense that you’re feeling uncertain.” Naming emotions shows empathy and helps create a safe space for honest discussion.

P = Paraphrasing�Restating someone’s message in your own words confirms you’ve understood correctly and demonstrates active engagement in the conversation.

I = “I” Statements�Using “I” statements — like “I feel…” or “I’m concerned that…” — keeps your communication authentic and transparent, while avoiding blame or defensiveness.

E = Effective Pauses�Silence can be powerful. Before jumping in, ask yourself, W.A.I.T. — Why Am I (still) Talking?�Pausing gives everyone time to reflect and respond thoughtfully.

S = Summarising�As the conversation moves forward, summarising the main points helps reinforce understanding, ensures alignment, and clarifies next steps.

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Implementation

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Education

“The quality of your listening determines the quality of your influence.”

Education

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Additional Leadership Trainings: BNI Lunch and Learn Sessions

We are thrilled to bring special sessions for both our Leadership Teams and any Members looking to improve themselves in these specific areas. Please see below for more details and we’re looking forward to hosting you:

BNI Lunch and Learn : Power Up Your Presentation – Wednesday, November 5^th at 12pm- Register Here

Want to speak with more impact in your BNI role or weekly presentation? Join this power-packed session designed for BNI leaders and Members who want to boost their confidence, visibility, and credibility through better presentation skills.