When we think of "good communication," we might focus on words, tone, or maybe volume. It's important for us to feel understood by others, but the way to meaningful connection might be less about how we're speaking and more about how we're listening. According to the Good Life Project, the lost art of listening can be regained by relearning a few strategies.

• Cultivate a listening mindset: Instead of focusing on skills, shift your intention from transaction to connection. Staying off your phone and not interrupting are helpful skills, but listening is a mindset shift, a way of being, not just checking off use of skills.
• Be curious: It's natural to predict where a conversation or interaction is headed, but predicting is terrible for listening because we're in our own heads planning our reply and impatiently waiting our turn. Instead, give your undivided attention and try engaging with curiosity rather than prediction.

• Respond instead of react: When someone is speaking, rather than jumping in to interject your opinion, let them finish and then respond with support or simple recognition, such as "I'm here for you," or "I'm so happy for you." Also, keep in mind, unless they ask for advice, control yourself from giving any.

Read more about listening and other helpful communication tips at the Good Life Project.