ACTIVE LISTENING: MORE THAN JUST HEARING

Have you ever been in a conversation where you were physically present, but your mind was somewhere else? That’s common, but it's not active listening. Active listening is a conscious effort to understand and respond to what another person is saying. It's a skill that can significantly improve your relationships and communication.

What is active listening?

Active listening involves:

• Paying full attention: This means focusing on the speaker, avoiding distractions, and maintaining eye contact.

• Reflecting back: Paraphrasing or summarizing what the speaker has said to show that you're understanding their message.

• Asking clarifying questions: Seeking more information to ensure you've grasped the speaker's meaning.

• Empathy: Trying to see things from the speaker's perspective and understanding their feelings.

• Avoiding interruptions: Letting the speaker finish their thoughts before responding.

Why is active listening important?

Active listening can:

• Build stronger relationships: When people feel heard and understood, they are more likely to trust and connect with you.

• Improve communication: Active listening can help prevent misunderstandings and resolve conflicts more effectively.

• Increase empathy: Understanding others' perspectives can help you become more empathetic and compassionate.

• Boost self-esteem: Feeling heard, valued and understood can boost a person's self-esteem.

How can you practice active listening?

• Practice mindfulness: Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings, and avoid letting your mind wander.

• Use nonverbal cues: Show that you're engaged by nodding, maintaining eye contact, and using appropriate facial expressions.

• Avoid interrupting: Let the speaker finish their thoughts before responding.

• Ask open-ended questions: Encourage the speaker to share more details by asking questions that require more than a yes or no answer.

• Paraphrase: Summarize what the speaker has said to show that you're understanding their message.

Active listening is an incredibly valuable skill that can benefit your relationships in so many ways. By making a conscious effort to truly understand others, you can build stronger relationships, improve communication, and increase empathy.