How to Actively Listen
Active listening is a way of staying focused on a speaker and engaged in the speaker's message. If you've ever been on the phone and suddenly realized you don't know what the other person has said; focused on what you're going to say, rather than listening to your partner during an argument; or found your mind wandering during an important meeting, you should work to improve your active-listening skills.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
The Active Listening Process
-
1
Hearing is the physiological component of active listening. If we can't hear, we can't actively listen. Commonly, noisy environments interfere with our ability to hear. To remedy this problem, ask the speaker to speak more loudly or move to a quieter location.
-
2
Attending is the psychological component of active listening. Boredom, prejudice (e.g., thinking the message is unimportant or the speaker misguided) and emotions (particularly anger) can all interfere with our ability to actively listen. If bored or prejudiced, reframe your outlook by withholding judgment and thinking about what you can learn from the speaker. If emotions are the problem, take a break to relax and refocus before attempting to listen again.
-
-
3
Understanding a speaker's message is a key component in the active-listening process. If you can't make sense of the speaker's statements, ask questions. Asking questions not only fosters understanding but also keeps you focused on what's being said.
-
4
Respond to the speaker; i.e., give him observable feedback. Ask questions, paraphrase what the speaker has said, or respond nonverbally through eye contact, body orientation and posture.
-
5
Remember what was said. Take notes on the gist of the statement; not only does the act of writing reinforce memory, but you'll also have a record of what was said.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Actively listening isn't perfected overnight; it takes practice and patience to become a better listener.
