Copyright © 1999

Active listening is an art that takes practice, but it is not hard.

This skill involves listen to everything the other person says, and trying to understanding it fully.

When the other person speaks, give your full attention and look her/him straight in the eyes.

To understand it fully, the person needs to rephrase what s/he thinks s/he heard. Often times we each come from different backgrounds and have been taught what some words have a different meaning. Also we may not be seeing the same subject from the same point of view. Rephrasing will help you to find out if you both are on the same page, so to speak.

If you rephrase what has been said and the person says, "No that's not it!" Then Listen for more information or ask questions to help you understand. Then when you think you understand fully, then you say, "Then what you are say is....." When the speaker finally agrees with you then you nave actually communicated and active listening has been a success.

Example:

• Speaker: That teacher doesn't grade fairly.
• Lister: The teacher must grade on the level. An "A" is 90 and above. A "B" is 80 and above and so on instead of grading on the curve.
• The Speaker really meant that she wouldn't let student make up tests they missed not matter the reason.
• A person who is actively listening is not busy giving advise or disagreeing or agreeing. The sole job is to listen and find out if what s/he is hearing is correct.
• Active listening helps people to be closer.

Search This Website Search The Web