ABSTRACT
An accepting and understanding relationship is the foundation that nurtures encouragement. Listening is basic to all communication and the encouragement process. Selfish listening and responding hinder effective communication. In this type of communication, the communicator spends time judging rather than listening to the concerns of the other person. Effective listeners have the ability to use an ideal amount of eye-to-eye contact when communicating. Encouraging people show their presence in the relationship through eye contact and a natural, relaxed body posture which opens the door for further exploration of concerns. Encouragers listen attentively and nonjudgmentally to the words and feelings of the discouraged person. Encouragers are aware of the theme of the speaker’s words and feelings as well as the theme of the speaker’s nonverbal behaviors. Any information available to the encourager about the discouraged person is helpful in facilitating the encouragement process. Nonverbal clues are as important as words in understanding and helping people.
