Courses

1. Be fully present: Eliminate distractions and focus entirely on the speaker. Put away your phone and maintain eye contact.

2. Show that you are listening: Use verbal affirmations like “I see” or “I understand,” and nod occasionally to signal engagement.

3. Avoid interrupting: Let the speaker finish their thoughts before you respond. This shows respect for their point of view.

4. Reflect and paraphrase: After the speaker has finished, summarize what they said to confirm your understanding and show that you were paying attention.

5. Ask open-ended questions: Encourage further discussion by asking questions that require more than a yes or no answer.

6. Be aware of nonverbal cues: Pay attention to body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions to grasp the full message.

7. Practice empathy: Try to understand the speaker’s feelings and perspectives, even if they differ from your own.

8. Minimize your internal dialogue: Focus on the speaker instead of formulating your response while they are talking.

9. Provide feedback: Share your thoughts and insights after fully understanding the speaker’s message to foster a two-way conversation.

10. Continuously improve: Actively seek opportunities to practice and enhance your active listening skills in everyday conversations.