LEAPS

There is a highly effective way to improve interpersonal communication that is taught as a regular part of the Texas CHL course, in the section entitled “Non-Violent Conflict Resolution”. While the techniques taught in this section are of very limited use in any situation that might call for the use of deadly force, they are very useful in other situations, and if applied to your everyday relationships, could well lead to a happier, and even a longer and healthier, life.

The mneumonic is LEAPS, which stands for:

1) Listen

2) Empathize

3) Ask

4) Paraphrase

5) Summarize

I plan to use the next five blog entries to expand and explain these five techniques, and show how they will benefit you.