Active Listening: It’s Just Like Making a Pizza

By The Cognitive Coach

When you think of active listening, do you ever imagine it as making a pizza? It might sound unusual, but crafting a perfect pizza is similar to how we should approach conversations. Here’s how.

Rolling the Dough (Processing Conversations):

Imagine rolling out pizza dough. It’s a process of working, shaping, and adjusting. Active listening is the mental work we do during a conversation—identifying main ideas, visualizing what’s being said, and connecting it to our prior knowledge. Just like the dough needs repeated rolling to get it right, understanding a conversation requires us to process and reflect on shared ideas.

Patience Is Key:

No pizza turns out perfectly if it’s rushed. You need patience to let the dough rise, to add the right amount of sauce, and wait for it to cook just right. Similarly, active listening requires us to be present and focused. It’s not just about hearing words; it’s about truly absorbing what the other person is saying.

Being Thorough:

A great pizza demands attention to detail. You wouldn’t skip steps or rush through making it; the same should apply to listening. Give your full attention and be thorough in your responses. This means taking the time to understand the emotions, context, and meaning behind the words.

Crafting Conversations Like Pizza:

Next time you’re having a conversation, think of it like crafting the perfect pizza. Give it the care, patience, and focus it deserves. You’ll find that the quality of your conversations, like a well-made pizza, will be more satisfying.

Ready to become a master of active listening? Let’s make it happen together! 🍕

Feel free to contact me at doreen@thecognitivecoach.net, and let’s start improving your communication skills today.

#ADHD #CommunicationSkills #ActiveListening