Faith in practice
Preparing for a conversation you want to handle differently.
Think of a conversation you expect to have soon. These optional prompts offer a place to begin, with James 1:19 guiding how you listen and respond.
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“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”
James 1:19 · King James Version
The conversation may involve a responsibility, a disagreement or something you have found difficult to say. You can consider these questions privately. There is no need to write down or share personal details.
Notice the situation
What needs to be discussed? What do you hope the other person will understand?
Consider what usually happens around this kind of exchange. Are you rushed, distracted or answering before the other person has finished? What response tends to follow?
Make room to understand
What could you ask before explaining your position?
For example: “Can you tell me more about what happened?” or “What is the part you most want me to understand?”
Choose wording that sounds natural to you. Listening does not require agreeing to every request.
Consider your response
What would you like to say after you have heard the other person?
You might need to explain a concern, make a request, acknowledge a mistake or say what you can take on. Consider the circumstances and choose a response that fits.
Return to what happened
After the conversation, take a moment to notice what you tried and how the exchange unfolded. What would you keep? What would you approach differently another time?
This resource is optional. It is not required homework for coaching.
Listen before your next conversation
Listening Before Reacting is a full episode of The Practiced Word podcast. Published , it runs 39 minutes and 44 seconds.
New to the podcast? The 30-second preview, published , offers a brief introduction.
Listen to the episode or previewIf you would like a coaching conversation
The Practiced Word offers individual and executive Christian coaching across the United States. Christian faith guides the conversation; behavior science informs consideration of everyday patterns.
The firm assigns your coach. Sessions last 60 minutes and take place one-on-one over Zoom. Individual sessions begin at $149 and executive sessions at $225. Session packages are also available. Choose and pay online; scheduling follows payment.
If scheduling does not work for you, or anything is unsatisfactory, email hello@thepracticedword.com to request a full refund of the amount you paid.
For churches and professional groups
You can share the guide with your group. Our one-page firm overview explains the services, current prices and how to ask about a short educational session.
Download the firm overview (PDF)Your group can also listen to The Practiced Word podcast.