Feelings & Togetherness
How can I listen to someone?
Puschel finds that a good question helps more than quick advice.
The short answer
Listening means giving someone attention. Let them finish and ask if something is unclear. You can repeat what you understood in your own words. Eye contact is not required.
An imagined Wusel scene
Puschel and Flauschi investigate
On the meadow bench Flauschi talks about an idea. Puschel opens his mouth, then pauses. Puschel“I was going to make a plan straight away. Would you like advice or to talk first?”
Flauschi“To talk first.” Puschel keeps his paws on his knees and waits while she continues.
Then he asks: “Have I understood that you want more time for your idea?” Flauschi“Yes. And not a ready-made suggestion straight away.”
Puschel glances at the meadow and keeps listening. He does not need to look at her all the time to pay attention.
Flauschi“Thank you. Now I would like a break.” They sit quietly together. The idea does not need to be finished today.
Try explaining it
This question is about a fictional situation and considerate actions, not about which feelings you should have.
Which action shows attentive listening?
Choose a), b) or c), then explain your choice.
- a)Decide the answer during the first sentence.
- b)Force eye contact before anyone may speak.
- c)Let the person finish and kindly ask if unclear.
Show the explanation
Correct: c): Let the person finish and kindly ask if unclear.
Listening means giving someone attention. Let them finish and ask if something is unclear. You can repeat what you understood in your own words. Eye contact is not required.
Questions to think about
How could Puschel check he understood?
Show conversation idea
Ask in his own words: “Do you mean …?” Flauschi may correct him.
Must Flauschi accept advice just because Puschel listens?
Show conversation idea
No. Listening does not oblige anyone to accept advice or keep talking.
Explore in more detail
Here you will find longer explanations and further details. You can explore them together.
Understand step by step
What does this mean in everyday life?
Examples are possible situations. You need not feel a particular emotion or share a personal story.
Give space to tell
Someone describes their day. Set your own story aside briefly and let them finish.
Check understanding
Paraphrasing or asking kindly helps reveal misunderstandings. They may correct your interpretation.
Attention looks different
Not everyone listens with eye contact. Silence, writing or breaks may belong. Listening does not require agreement or instant advice.
The key points again
Discovery 1
Listening means giving the other person attention. We can let them finish and ask kindly.
Source: [1]
Discovery 2
We can repeat what we understood in our own words. The other person may correct us. Listening does not mean agreeing with everything.
Discovery 3
Not everyone wants eye contact or to speak immediately. People may need pauses, communicate differently or decline a conversation.
Source: [2]