In a recent Christian Post article, Rick Warren of Saddleback Church (Lake Forest, CA) reminds us that “everyone should be quick to listen” (James 1:19 NIV). He also offers the following four tips for becoming a better listener:

1. Withhold judgment and criticism from the start.
   Don’t evaluate until you’ve heard and comprehended it all.
2. Keep calm.
   Don’t become defensive.
3. Be an active listener.
   Ask clarifying questions, such as: Who? What? When? How? Questions like that will draw out those you are listening to and let them know you have their attention.
4. Paraphrase and summarize.
   You must be able to tell a person what they’ve just told you before you talk about what you need to talk about.

For more wisdom on each tip, be sure to read the full article.