ACTIVE LISTENING SKILLS

ACTIVE LISTENING SKILLS

SKILL EXPLANATION EXAMPLE
Summarizing Drawing together several So, the three things
things a speaker said to you are saying are one . . .,
make one statement. Check two . . . and three?
that the summary is
accurate.
Clarifying Checking that what was said So, what youre saying is
is under-stood. Such as that this is not being done
facts, opinions, decisions, because
order of events.
Reflecting Picking up on the explicit or It sounds like that was a
implicit feelings expressed very exciting time.
by a speaker and
demonstrating an understanding
and acceptance of
these.
 ACTIVE LISTENING SKILLS
SKILL EXPLANATION EXAMPLE
Paraphrasing Repeating back to the So, what was happening
speaker a little of what was at
said either in her/his own or work was confusing.
similar words. This prompt
encourages people to
continue.
Open-ended Asking the speaker What happened then? or
questions which will How did that affect you?
encourage further disclosure.
See further details on the
topic Questions How to
Ask Them
 ACTIVE LISTENING SKILLS
SKILL EXPLANATION EXAMPLE
Encouraging Includes thanking the person That was a really useful
for her/his contribution and contribution, thank you.
offering praise.
or
Using sub-speech to indicate
an ongoing understanding of Mmm uhuh yes . . .
what is being said. These yes
serve as indicators to
continue, that the listener is
prepared to listen a little
longer.
 ACTIVE LISTENING SKILLS
SKILL EXPLANATION EXAMPLE
Silence Allowing some time between
what a person says before
the facilitator speaks.
Silence can encourage a
speaker to continue, can
indicate absorption of what
was said.

Linking Statements/questions/ And then?

comments can be linked by
the facilitator using short
sentences indicating
interest, support and
encouragement to continue.