Example Conversation: How to Be a Good Listener

To be a good listener, you have to pay attention to the following things:

1. Listen carefully to what the speaker is saying.
2. Show your attention to the speaker.
3. Give the appropriate response to what the speaker said.

To start conversation, you can greet the person by saying

• Hi, how are you doing?
• Hallo, how are you?

In the conversation, the person might tell you some information or his/her problem. Here are some expressions you can use to show your attention:

1. Positive responses

• I see.
• Well, it’s nice.
• That’s interesting.
• I’m glad to hear that.

2. Negative responses

• Oh, what a pity.
• How terrible.
• I’m sorry to hear that.
• That’s too bad.

In the end of the conversation, close it by saying:

• Thank you for listening.
• Thank for your suggestion.
• Good luck.
• See you.
• We’ll talk again later.

Example dialog:

Indra : Excuse me, Mr. Budi. I’d like to take a few days off.
Mr. Budi : Why? What’s the matter, Indra?
Indra : Well, my father is ill. He is going to have an operation.
Mr. Budi : Oh, dear. I’m sorry to hear that. How long will you be away?
Indra : I hope to be back next Monday.
Mr. Budi : That’s alright, Indra. And I hope your father gets better soon.
Indra : Thank you, Mr. Budi.
Mr. Budi : Never mind.