How to do an Active Listening Skills Exercise
Students typically perform active-listening skill exercises in communications classes. Sometimes employers might organize active-listening skill exercises for employees to teach them how to interact with clients and work as a team, too. Active listening emphasizes understanding, rather than hearing, what a person is saying. A typical active-listening skills exercise involves at least two people, one speaking and one listening. The person listening takes notes.
Instructions
-
-
1
Give the speaker your full attention. This means sitting up in your chair, leaning forward, making eye contact and nodding where appropriate. Active listeners look like they're listening. The more effort you put into listening, the more likely you are to pay attention to what the speaker says.
-
2
React with appropriate verbal cues, such as "Yes," "Really?" or "OK." These demonstrate to your speaker that you are following what they are saying. To know when to say these phrases, you need to be listening carefully.
-
-
3
Ask questions of clarification when necessary. Ask the speaker to repeat a point you missed. Paraphrase an idea in your own words to make sure you understand. This also demonstrates to the speaker that he has your full attention.
-
4
Take notes as you listen. Write down the overall idea that the speaker expresses, as well as any other major points. Write down questions you want to ask when the speaker pauses, or circle a statement you don't understand. Interpret what you hear as you go along. Write "Must have been happening for awhile" or "agree."
-
5
Switch roles with your partner and take your turn at speaking while he listens.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
While you want to show your reader that you are paying attention by responding to what she is saying, be careful not to interrupt or cut her off. Remember, your primary job is to let her talk.
References
- Photo Credit Michael Blann/Lifesize/Getty Images
