Active Listening - Learning Points

Active Listening - Learning Points

• Effective communication is heavily dependent on
effective listening; however most conversations
do not take place with the full attention of those
taking part.
• Effective listening is a specific skill that can be
consciously developed and practiced. It is an
active psychological process which enables us to
attach meaning to all the information we receive.
• Developing effective listening skills involves two
specific steps: dealing with barriers that prevent
you listening; and developing and using listening
behaviours.
• There are various barriers to listening, including
jumping to conclusions; hearing what we want to
hear; rehearsing our response and being
inattentive.
• Active listening skills include using attending skills
(e.g. maintaining an open posture, comfortable
eye contact, leaning forward); delaying evaluation;
maintaining attention; reflecting back or
paraphrasing; giving feedback; listening for feelings;
asking appropriate questions etc.