When you practice “active listening,” you are completely mentally present when someone else is speaking. That sounds easier than it is. Here are some tips for active listening that will make your conversations better and your relationships stronger.

Resist the urge to ‘half-listen.’ Many conversations involve people politely half-listening to what the other person is saying and waiting for their chance to respond with their own story. Try to focus on what the person is saying instead of thinking about how you’re going to respond. Don’t interrupt. And when the other person is finished talking, pause a moment to digest the other person’s words and collect your thoughts before giving your response.

Let the person know that you’re following what they’re saying. Nod, tilt your head slightly, make eye contact, and/or mirror the other person’s posture—these are all nonverbal cues that show you are listening. Choose the nonverbal cues that feel most natural to you.

Ask questions. Curiosity is important to active listening. When you ask specific questions, it shows people that you have been paying attention to what they’re saying. 

Practice. As with any skill, active listening gets easier the more you practice it. You don’t have to have a serious conversation to practice active listening—it can be with anyone, including people you chat with casually, like a store clerk or waiter.

For more advice, read “How (and Why) to Get Better at Active Listening.”