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Become a Better Listener Today

Listening seems like such a simple skill, but there is so much more to listening than just hearing what your communication partner is saying. Studies show that up to 93% of communication is non-verbal. In order to be a good listener, there are several aspects that must be considered. 


In speech therapy, we often use a concept called “whole body listening.” This concept focuses on eight body parts that must be engaged when listening:

Eyes

You need to make eye contact with the person who is speaking to show that you are engaged and focused on what he is saying.

Ears

This is the most obvious body part involved in listening. You need to actively hear what the person is saying.

Mouth

Your mouth should be closed unless you are affirming or encouraging what the speaker is saying. This means you should not interrupt the speaker, but you may say things such as “I understand,” or “What happened next?” This demonstrates that you are following what the person is saying.

Hands 

What your hands are doing may not seem important, but doing things such as picking at clothing or fidgeting with an object can be distracting to both you and your communication partner.

Feet

As with your hands, your feet should not be fidgety. 

Body 

Your body language demonstrates interest in the speaker. Your body should be facing the speaker. Facing away indicates disinterest or a desire to leave the conversation.

Brain 

This is typically the part of listening people struggle with most. We are often so busy thinking of  that we are going to say next that we aren’t actually listening to what our conversation partner is telling us. Your mind should be processing what the speaker is saying, not thinking of your next response.

Heart 

You should care about and try to understand what the person is saying. Even if you disagree, it is important to be able to see the speaker’s point of view. Listening does not end when the conversation partner finishes speaking. A good listener should affirm that they understand what has been said before responding. 

A good way to do this is to restate or summarize what you think the person said. For example, “So you’re saying that ______ happened and made you feel ______,” or “So ______ happened, and then you _______, is that right?” 

 

“A good listener should affirm that they understand what has been said before responding.”


Once your conversation partner feels understood, then it is time for your response. This is especially important during an argument or when listening to a person’s problem. It may be difficult, but establishing the other person’s point of view before expressing your own can limit misunderstandings and frustration. 

 

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Patient Reviews

LLA Therapy

Patient Reviews

Crystal Scheibe

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Great place, glad we found them. Been going to Medina over 2 months now and he loves Lauryn and Kyler. Wish they had more ABA therapy places available... live in Wooster and long drive everyday.

Karrie Swan LaRock

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My 11 year old son has dyslexia and has made noticeable gains in working At LLA THERAPY. Katie is strong in her approach toward him and also keeps him comfortable enough to perform well. We will continue visiting both the Fairlawn and Hudson offices and recommend them highly.

Ron Monroe

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My 9 year old just completed about 9 months of weekly speech sessions (due to his stuttering) with Matt Hagge at LLA and we are thrilled with the experience and results. What I thought might be a negative (what kid really wants to go to speech class?) was made very positive by Matt, and my son never hesitated or complained when we talked about class. He really enjoyed it and really took what Matt taught him to heart. His speech has been greatly improved and we definitely recommend LLA. Thank you so much!

Heather Dougherty-Pantoja

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My son’s Occupational Therapist, Jess, is an amazing OT! She gives practical tips on working with my son at home and school!

Terri Apgar

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I cannot say enough good things about LLA Therapy. My daughter was a client of Teal Simmons’ for approximately 2 years and was just released from speech therapy! She was diagnosed with Apraxia in 2015 and worked with Teal twice a week. Through Teal’s application of PROMPT therapy, my daughter had age-appropriate speech after one year. All of the staff we interacted with at LLA were absolutely wonderful. They really care about what they do and making sure your child achieves their goals.

Kelli Geisler Davisson

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LLA Therapy has been an excellent experience for my son as well as my family! My son always asks, "When can I go see Ms. Jeannine again, is it Monday??" He has also made huge gains in only 5 months! I would highly recommend LLA and have already shared my experience with friends looking for services!

Victoria Hansford-Price

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We are so grateful for our Speech Therapist Ms.Teal. We have seen a great improvement with our sons confidence and communication abilities since we have started "Prompt" therapy. What we love the most about LLA and Ms. Teal is that Kohl feels comfortable and relaxed which has played a critical role in his progress. Thank you Ms. Teal for all you have done.

Laura Lee Hogsett

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They have helped in numerous ways. Speech, OT and behavioral. I've had numerous compliments on my son's progress thanks in very large part to LLA. I would recommend LLA before I recommend our local children's hospitals, though they are good, they don't have the staff that LLA does.

Amy Furukawa

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We had a great experience with Matt Hagge at LLA! Our Middle School age son was becoming very conscious of his voice, which is nasal due to a cleft palate. Matt helped him to better form his sounds and project his voice in a way that makes the unavoidable nasality less noticeable.Our son is more confident and outgoing & even took on a speaking role in the church play. Matt has the perfect personality to relate with our son, and we would recommend him to anyone needing speech therapy services!

Jessica Havalotti

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LLA Therapy has been an excellent experience for our daughter. I would highly recommend LLA. Miss Grace was so amazing and I can't believe how quickly our daughter showed improvement. Thank you!
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