In addition to allowing silence, there are other ways of showing that we are listening and care about what our participants are saying. Let’s watch another video clip. Pay attention to things our WIC co-worker is doing to listen actively.
Participant: Well… I think I’ve gained a little too much already. My doctor said I should aim for 20 to 25 pounds but I’ve already gained 12 with 22 weeks still to go.
WIC: Go on, tell me more.
Participant: Well, my last pregnancy I only gained 14 the entire nine months, so I’ve been trying really hard to eat regularly so that I don’t have another underweight baby like my first child.
WIC: Uh huh.
Participant: I’m really trying to eat the fruits and veggies and peanut butter and the whole grain bread that WIC provides; I guess I’m just eating too much, too often.
WIC: OK, so your past pregnancy has influenced the frequency or sizes of your meals, but your food choices are wholesome?
Participant: I try to make them wholesome at least. I’m certainly open to suggestions because all I want is a happy, healthy baby!
WIC: Right. Well, you obviously do care deeply about yours and your child’s health – so this baby is lucky to have a mom like you. Let’s talk a little more about your diet so I can offer some tips.
Did you notice how the counselor kept eye contact and how she was facing the participant? Did you see how the counselor encouraged the participant to continue talking by nodding and saying things like, “I see” and “go on, tell me more”? Perhaps you caught how the counselor made a reflective statement to clarify and encourage the participant to continue?