In HEAR, what should you avoid?

• A. Giving advice
• B. All of the above
• C. Interrupting the speaker
• D. Changing the subject

Answer: (B)

HEAR emphasizes active listening and keeping the conversation focused on the speaker’s concerns. In practice, you avoid actions that push your own agenda or pull the conversation away from what the speaker is revealing. Giving advice too soon can close down dialogue because you’re guiding the situation before fully understanding it. Interrupting breaks the speaker’s train of thought and can cause important details to be missed, undermining trust. Changing the subject shifts attention away from the issue at hand and prevents a complete picture from forming. Since these behaviors all hinder effective HEAR-style communication, the best choice is the one that says all of these should be avoided. In real use, listen attentively, acknowledge what’s said, reflect to confirm understanding, and offer information or guidance only after the speaker has expressed needs.