Skip to main content
Extension Employees WVU Home

Family Health Handout: Listening Power

Health Challenge - Boost your listening power.

Listening Power Round Robin Two girls talking to each other and sitting on ground

Good communication doesn’t “just happen.” It takes effort and practice. Take this quick checkup to see how well your family members listen and communicate. Try this family activity at least once this month. Pick a time when most family members will be together – maybe at a meal, while traveling, or at bedtime.

  1. Each person thinks of a topic to talk about.

  2. Everyone gets 3 uninterrupted minutes to talk.

  3. During this time, all others focus on listening.

  4. After everyone has had a turn speaking, use the list to rate your listening skills.

How did you do?

Someone reads out loud each active-listening habit below. Rate your listening power from 1 to 5. (1 = not so good, 5 = nailed it!)

  1. I stopped what I was doing to give full attention to the speaker.

  2. I faced the speaker and made eye contact.

  3. I used welcoming words to tell the speaker I was ready to listen. (e.g., “Hi, what’s going on?”)

  4. I focused on what the speaker was saying.

  5. I focused on the speaker’s words and emotions.

  6. I listened without interrupting.

  7. I waited until the speaker was done before I spoke.

  8. I encouraged the speaker to continue by looking directly at him/her, nodding my head, or saying “I see.”

  9. I avoided disrespectful facial expressions, body poses, or comments.

  10. I asked questions if I didn’t understand something.

Practice your listening skills often when and where your family usually talks. Examples: during meals, in the car, on a walk.

4-H Families Online

Games to improve listening skills for kids at https://empoweredparents.co/8-games-to-improve-yourchilds-listening-skills/

Families That Communicate Well:

  • Can handle problems
  • Can resolve daily conflicts
  • Have children who communicate well
  • Become stronger