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Active listening is one of the most important skills to have when communicating with others. It can help foster understanding and respect, make a speaker feel important, and help you form connections with others.
Effective listening starts with knowing the difference between passively hearing others and actively listening to them. Here are seven ways to optimize your listening skills.
1
Maintain eye contact.Always face the person speaking and maintain eye contact. In an online meeting, look directly into the camera to show the speaker that you are fully engaged with what they are saying.
2
Nod when you agree or understand.Nodding is one of the most effective ways to show support for a speaker. Nodding is also very easy, so do it often enough to be noticed.
3
Use listening time to listen.It may be tempting to plan what you’re going to say next when someone else is speaking, but this is disrespectful and can be very perilous. Misunderstanding someone because you didn’t effectively listen to them can damage your credibility.
4
Reflect questions back.Try to repeat questions and concerns back to the speaker before offering your perspective or proposing a solution. This powerful acknowledgment elevates trust and demonstrates empathy even before you address the concern.
5
Don’t interrupt.Avoid interrupting a speaker or finishing their sentences. Sometimes we think we’re affirming someone else’s point by finishing their sentences, but even if that’s true, we’re still trampling on their perspective.
6
Respect the speaker’s point of view.Stay objective and keep an open mind. Understand that everyone has their own unique ideas. Show the speaker that you are interested in what they have to say.
7
Ask probing questions.After listening to the speaker, ask clarifying questions to show that you paid attention, value their feedback, and are open and eager to learn.
The Pathways learning experience offers a Level 3 “Active Listening” elective project. This project teaches you the difference between hearing and listening and how to connect with a speaker, and provides opportunities to practice your listening skills.
Adapted from an article in the July 2022 issue of the Toastmaster magazine.
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