Active Listening Strategies

Unit 1.2
Active Listening
It's defined as a communication technique that requires a listener
to fully concentrate, understand and respond to what is being said.

Active listening is a core element of efficient communication in

general. It improves communication, raises the level of
comprehension, and increases efficiency in everyday activities.
What do you do to listen actively?
Active Listening Strategies
1. Pay attention
Make a conscious effort to hear not only the words of a speaker but
the complete message that is being communicated.
In order to do this, you must pay attention to the speaker carefully
by keeping all distracting thoughts aside.
Maintain eye-contact. Also, pay attention to your body language and
the speaker’s as well. Interpret the hidden messages.
Active Listening involves attentively seeking to understand a
speaker’s message, rather than passively hearing the words that a
speaker says.

Your goal as an active listener is to truly understand the speaker’s

perspective (regardless of whether you agree or not)
2. Provide Feedback
To enhance your listening skills, you need to let the other person
know that you are listening to what is being said.

Acknowledgment or providing feedback can be something as

simple as a nod of the head or using body language and other
signs to acknowledge that you are listening.
3. Defer Judgment
Interrupting is a waste of time. It frustrates the speaker and limits
the complete understanding of the message, especially early in the
conversation.

Allow the speaker to finish each point before asking questions.

Don't interrupt with counter arguments.
4. Summarize to Clarify
Restating key themes as the conversation proceeds confirms
your understanding of speaker’s point of view. It also helps
both parties to be clear on mutual responsibilities.

Thus, briefly summarize what you have understood while

practising active listening.
5. Respond Appropriately
Active listening encourages respect and understanding. You
gain information and perspective.

Active listening is first about understanding the other person,

then about being understood as the listener.

Be candid, open and honest in your response. Assert your

opinions respectfully. Share your ideas, feelings and suggestions.
 References

Rost, M., & Wilson, J. J. (2013). Active listening. Routledge.

Tyagi, B. (2013). Listening: An important skill and its various

aspects. The Criterion An International Journal in English, 12, 1-
8.