Active listening involves focusing fully on the speaker, understanding their perspective without judgment, and providing thoughtful feedback. Key techniques include maintaining eye contact, reflecting on what is said, asking clarifying questions, summarizing periodically, and responding respectfully without interrupting. The goal is to encourage open communication and gain a clear understanding of different viewpoints.
Active listening involves focusing fully on the speaker, understanding their perspective without judgment, and providing thoughtful feedback. Key techniques include maintaining eye contact, reflecting on what is said, asking clarifying questions, summarizing periodically, and responding respectfully without interrupting. The goal is to encourage open communication and gain a clear understanding of different viewpoints.
Active listening involves focusing fully on the speaker, understanding their perspective without judgment, and providing thoughtful feedback. Key techniques include maintaining eye contact, reflecting on what is said, asking clarifying questions, summarizing periodically, and responding respectfully without interrupting. The goal is to encourage open communication and gain a clear understanding of different viewpoints.
Becoming an Active Listener understand what is being said.
This may require you to
There are five key active listening techniques you can use to reflect on what is being said and to ask questions. help you become a more effective listener: • Reflect on what has been said by paraphrasing. “What I'm 1. Pay Attention hearing is...,” and “Sounds like you are saying...,” are great ways to reflect back. Give the speaker your undivided attention and acknowledge the message. Recognize that non-verbal communication also • Ask questions to clarify certain points. “What do you mean “speaks” loudly. when you say....” “Is this what you mean?” • Look at the speaker directly. • Summarize the speaker's comments periodically. • Put aside distracting thoughts. 4. Defer Judgment • Don't mentally prepare a rebuttal! Interrupting is a waste of time. It frustrates the speaker and limits full understanding of the message. • Avoid being distracted by environmental factors (for example, side conversations). • Allow the speaker to finish each point before asking questions. • “Listen” to the speaker's body language. • Don't interrupt with counter arguments. 2. Show That You're Listening 5. Respond Appropriately Use your own body language and gestures to show that you are engaged. Active listening is designed to encourage respect and understanding. You are gaining information and perspective. • Nod occasionally. You add nothing by attacking the speaker or otherwise • Smile and use other facial expressions. putting her down. • Make sure that your posture is open and interested. • Be candid, open, and honest in your response. • Encourage the speaker to continue with small verbal • Assert your opinions respectfully. comments like yes, and “uh huh.” • Treat the other person in a way that you think he/she 3. Provide Feedback would want to be treated. Our personal filters, assumptions, judgments, and beliefs can distort what we hear. As a listener, your role is to