I.Intro – James 1:19“…Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”II.Barriers to Listening1.We don’t care about what others have to say2.Wanting to fix things quickly3.Inherited hearing problems4.Hot-Button issuesIII.Slowing Down the Conversation through Active and Reflective ListeningWhen you’re the speaker:1.Talk about your own thoughts, your own feelings, your own desires2.Try to be concise and focused in your sharing. Use short sentences.3.Correct your partner if you feel he/she has missed something4.Continue speaking until you feel understood.When you’re the listener:1.Put your own agenda on hold.2.Allow your partner to speak until he/she completes a thought.3.Begin the phrase with “what I hear you saying is…” and then try to accurately reflect your partner’s words back. Avoid judging, interpreting or paraphrasing.4.Then ask, “Is that correct?”IV.Conclusion