Lesson 7: Active Listening and How you can do it
Active listening is giving the speaker your whole attention in order to comprehend not just what they are saying but also their intentions, feelings, and ideas. Give the speaker your full attention right away by putting aside any distractions, keeping eye contact, and demonstrating your interest through your body language. You may show that you're paying attention by leaning in slightly or nodding periodically. Stay clear of interruptions as they might throw off the speaker's flow of thought and make them feel unappreciated. Giving them your whole attention demonstrates your respect and establishes a secure environment in which they may open up, paving the way for a fruitful conversation.
Other essential elements of active listening include reflection and rephrase it. Try summarizing what you heard in your own words when the speaker is done to make sure you understand. Saying "So what I'm hearing is that you feel overwhelmed with your work and need more support" is one example. This method demonstrates that you're analyzing their emotions and intent in addition to hearing what they have to say. Finding out further with questions like "Can you tell me more about that?" or "What do you mean by?" additionally motivates the speaker to go into further detail, which improves your comprehension and demonstrates your genuine interest in what they have to say.
Lastly, even if you disagree with the speaker's viewpoint, you should still reply patiently and empathetically as an engaged listener. Avoid directing the conversation toward your personal experiences or offering immediate solutions. Saying something like, "That sounds really challenging," or "I can see why you'd feel that way," will instead help people feel validated. This promotes a relationship built on respect by making the speaker feel appreciated and recognized. Empathy and refraining from passing judgment enable the speaker to talk freely and give them the sense of being heard and understood, which is the foundation of active listening.
