Active Listening

A communication skill focused on fully understanding the speaker's message, both verbal and nonverbal.

Body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions that convey additional meaning beyond words.

Questions that encourage elaboration and cannot be answered with a simple yes or no. (e.g., "Why do you feel that way?")

Restating the speaker's message in your own words to confirm understanding.

Condensing the speaker's key points to demonstrate attentiveness.

Questions that seek further explanation to avoid misunderstandings. (e.g., "Can you tell me more about that?")

The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person.

Subtly mimicking the speaker's body language to build rapport.

Short verbal cues like "uh-huh" or "okay" that show you're engaged.

Focusing intently on the speaker's message while minimizing distractions.

The ability to manage your own emotions and understand the emotions of others.

Biases or assumptions that can hinder objective listening.

Being overly sensitive to criticism or feedback.

Talking over the speaker, hindering their flow of thought.

External factors that divert your attention from the conversation. (e.g., phones, noises)

Mentally engaging with the speaker's message, not just passively hearing it.

A focused listening approach used in counseling to build trust and understanding.

Responding to a speaker's emotions and feelings, not just their words.

A sense of trust and connection between speaker and listener.

Analyzing and evaluating the information being presented.

Nonverbal communication through posture, gestures, and facial expressions.

Information provided back to the speaker about how their message was received.

When the intended message is not understood by the listener.