The Power of Active Listening

Have you ever felt like someone wasn't truly listening to you? Or found yourself so focused on your response that you missed the heart of a conversation? In this episode of The Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker dives deep into the art of active listening—a transformative skill that builds stronger relationships at home, work, and in care settings. Andy shares practical insights, real-life examples, and actionable tips to help you become a more present and empathetic listener.

 

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

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📚 Andy Baker’s Book
Targeting the Positive with Behaviours That Challenge provides a step-by-step guide to managing challenging behaviours with confidence. Using Andy’s six-step TARGET model, this book is an essential resource for carers, teachers, and parents.
📲 Order your copy here.

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🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The Fundamentals of Active Listening:
  What it is, why it matters, and how it differs from simply hearing someone.

• Barriers to Effective Listening:
  Explore common distractions and assumptions that prevent genuine connection—and how to overcome them.

• Practical Tips for Active Listening:
  Andy shares techniques like using open questions, recognising non-verbal cues, and avoiding judgment to foster better communication.

• The Transformative Power of Listening in Caregiving and Relationships:
  How active listening can improve understanding, build trust, and create safe spaces for openness and honesty.

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Key Messages

Listening is More Than Hearing
Active listening involves focusing fully on the speaker’s words, emotions, and intent. It’s about building connection, trust, and empathy.

Practical Tools for Better Communication
From paraphrasing to mirroring, Andy outlines strategies to enhance your listening skills, making conversations more meaningful and productive.

Active Listening Builds Stronger Relationships
In both personal and professional settings, truly understanding others fosters trust, reduces misunderstandings, and improves outcomes for everyone involved.

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Key Timestamps

• 00:00:03 – Introduction to Active Listening
• 00:01:55 – Why Listening is More Important Than Responding
• 00:04:10 – Barriers to Listening and How to Overcome Them
• 00:08:25 – Reflective Listening and Empathy: Key Techniques
• 00:12:40 – Practical Application of Active Listening in Caregiving
• 00:16:18 – The S.O.L.E.R Framework for Effective Communication

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Join the Conversation

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📲 Connect With Us:

• Instagram and TikTok: @abletocarepodcast
• LinkedIn: Andy Baker

Explore additional resources, courses, and discussions tailored to carers, teachers, and parents at Able Hub. Together, let’s empower those who care for others to thrive.

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Mastering the art of listening doesn’t just transform conversations; it transforms relationships. Take the first step today to becoming a better listener and building meaningful connections in your life.