How to Become a Proactive Listener

Listening is a skill. You can listen, but you may not fully be comprehending what someone else is saying for a variety of reasons. Through active listening you offer verbal and nonverbal feedback to ensure you understand the speaker. By engaging in active listening you can eliminate miscommunication. However, being an active listener requires that you concentrate entirely on the other person.

Instructions

Concentrate

1. Provide the speaker with your undivided attention. Maintain eye contact with the speaker. Eliminate distractions. Pay attention to the person's body language.

2. Offer acknowledgment that you are listening. Use nonverbal gestures such as a head nod or smile to demonstrate you are interested in what the other person has to say. Maintain an inviting posture while listening. Avoid slouching or folding your arms.

3. Give feedback. As a listener, you need to comprehend what is being said. Paraphrase what the speaker is saying as a way of reflecting on what you have heard. If you are uncertain about something, pose a question to get clarification. During conversation, recap the person's comments occasionally.

4. Let the speaker talk and do not rush to judgment. Disrupting the speaker prevents you from comprehending the message.

5. Offer a response when the speaker is finished. Active listening allows you to gather information and insight. Provide a sincere and thoughtful response. State you opinions in a polite manner. Act the way you would want to be treated.

Tips & Warnings

• Your brain works much faster than someone can speak. Without active listening, your mind may stray from conversation.

References

• Active Listening
• Improve Listening Skills