How to Actively Listen

Active listening is a communication technique that involves paying close attention to what someone is saying, and demonstrating that you understand and are engaged. Here are some tips for active listening 

• Give your full attention

Face the speaker, maintain eye contact, and try to put aside distracting thoughts. 

• Show you're listening

Use open body language, nod, smile, and use facial expressions to show you're engaged. 

• Withhold judgment

Avoid interrupting, and don't jump to conclusions or impose your own opinions. 

• Ask questions

Ask curious questions to show you want to understand, such as "How did you feel?" or "What did you think?". “Is that what you really feel?”

• Reflect on what's being said

Paraphrase the speaker's main points to show you understand. You can also summarize what you've heard and ask the speaker if you've captured their meaning. 

• Respond appropriately

Avoid attacking the speaker or putting them down. 

Active listening helps to encourage respect and understanding and keeps both the listener and speaker engaged in the conversation. 

One way to reflect what you've heard is to paraphrase. For example, you might say, "In other words, what you are saying is . . .

Active listening tips, skills, techniques, and examples - Mindtools:

There are five key active listening techniques you can use to help you become a more effective listener:

1. Face the speaker and have eye contact

2. "Listen" to non-verbal cues

3. Do not interrupt

4. Paraphrase the speaker's main points to show you understand. You can also summarize what you've heard and ask the speaker if you've captured their meaning

5. Respond appropriately; avoid attacking the speaker or putting them down