Active Listening: Communication Skill

Can you give examples of open-ended questions for encouraging sharing?

Examples include "What is it like to _______?", "How did you feel when _______?", "Can you tell me more about _______?", and "What are your thoughts about _______?"

What are some examples of verbal cues that show active listening?

Examples of verbal cues include saying "mm-hmm," "uh-huh," "that's interesting," "that makes sense," and "I understand."

Why is it important to listen with an open mind?

Listening with an open mind involves understanding the speaker's point of view, even if it differs from your own, and avoiding forming opinions or making judgments prematurely.

What nonverbal actions demonstrate active listening?

Nonverbal actions include nodding in agreement, reacting to emotional content (like smiling), and maintaining eye contact.

What is the importance of asking open-ended questions in active listening?

Open-ended questions encourage elaboration rather than simple "yes" or "no" responses. They demonstrate that you are listening and are interested in learning more from the speaker.

How do open-ended questions facilitate active listening?

Open-ended questions prompt the speaker to elaborate more than a simple "yes" or "no" answer would, showing that the listener is engaged and wants to understand more.

How does using reflections aid in active listening?

Reflections involve summarizing the speaker's main points in your own words, including emotional content, to show you have understood their perspective and feelings.

How can reflections be used in active listening?

Reflections involve summarizing the speaker's most important points in your own words, including emotional content even if it was only communicated through tone or body language.

What are some key aspects of striving to understand in active listening?

Striving to understand involves being present, focusing on body language, tone, and verbal content, and listening with an open mind without forming opinions or making judgments prematurely.

What are some ways to show you're actively listening?

To show active listening, put away distractions, use verbal and nonverbal communication like nodding, making eye contact, and using short verbal cues that match the speaker's affect.

What is active listening?

Active listening is treating listening as an active process rather than a passive one. It involves participating in conversation, showing that you are listening, encouraging sharing, and striving to understand the speaker.

What does it mean to be present in the context of active listening?

Being present means paying attention to the speaker's body language, tone, and verbal content, focusing on listening rather than on other mental distractions or what to say next.