Method	Examples
Verbal
Continuers	“Go on,” “I hear you,” “Hmmm,” “Aha”
Legitimation	“That makes sense.”
Open-ended questions	“Tell me more about...”
Understanding	“It seems like …”
Exploration	“I wonder if you …”
Rephrasing	“Let me summarize what you have told me so far…”
Checking the patient's understanding	“Could you summarize what we have discussed so far?”
Nonverbal
Attention	Judicious eye contact
Responsiveness	Facial expressions such as grinning, lip biting, concerned frowning
Attentiveness	Holding of chin, keeping index finger on temple
Openness	Palms exposed, avoiding crossed arms or legs
Interest	Leaning forward
Active listening	Head nodding
Focus	Purposefully turning away from the computer or medical file
	Tactful silent pauses
	Avoiding interrupting or completing sentences