A 'deep listening' demo: How to have better conversations

Available for over a year

Deep listening is a technique to help people discuss difficult topics - a way of listening that allows the participant to be heard and acknowledged, allows us to consider views that we are not familiar with and be open to new ideas. Research has shown that when we feel recognised and understood, we can lower our defences, reduce extreme views and take other perspectives on board. Introducing simple steps such as pausing after someone has spoken, and reflecting the other person's ideas back to them, can help us feel 'heard', and make difficult conversations easier. Emily Kasriel, the BBC's Crossing Divides project lead, and presenter Nuala McGovern demonstrate how the technique works. Image: Illustration of two people talking with a green coil between them Credit: BBC