Active listening
Like active learning, active listening is about using the information that you receive in some way. It’s important that we try to not just hear the words being said but the meaning behind those words. In active listening one way we can achieve this goal is to repeat what we’ve heard in our own words back to the speaker.
Understanding
When hearing a set of words, we use our own framework we have of the world to build an understanding of their meaning. In cases where people have differing frameworks the same words can have different meanings and therefore the understanding of what is being said also differs.
Body language also plays a large role of our understanding of what is being said. Body language can help us to ask more insightful questions about what the speaker is trying to convey. Because body language is important, we need to ensure that our own body language is appropriate and open.
A How to
Pay attention to what the speaker is saying. Ensure that you’re facing your speaker with a comfortable face. Give the speaker your undivided attention and acknowledge what they are saying. Ignore any distractions such as your phone, watch, or other conversations going around you (if there are any happening).
Show you’re listening by being aware of your body language, ensure that your body language is open and inviting. Give short encouraging verbal comments such as “uh huh”. Offer some facial expressions such as a nod or a smile.
Provide feedback by asking related and relevant questions. Paraphrase what is being said to ensure that you understand the speakers meaning. Summarise what the speaker is saying and seek clarification on anything that might be unsure of.
Respond appropriately by asserting your opinions respectfully. Ensure that you don’t attack the speaker or interrupt the speaker unnecessarily. Respond openly and honestly, with an appropriate tone of voice. Remember that you’re trying to understand what the speaker is saying not change their mind.
Defer judgement by being empathetic and non-judgemental. Avoid making assumptions and instead ask questions. Empathetically view the communications from the perspective of the speaker. Attempt to listen to what is being said in its entirety before interjecting with your own comments.
Conclusion
Active listening goes beyond repeating exactly what has been said. To actively listen we need to perceive, pay attention, remember, use our own thinking and reasoning, and most importantly render what is being said into our own words and sentence structure.
It is by actively listening that we can mitigate our differing frame works of how the world works and come to a shared understanding of what is being communicated.
References
https://www.adelaide.edu.au/writingcentre/sites/default/files/docs/learningguide-activelistening.pdf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_listening
