Effective Listening Tips: How to Be an Effective Listener

Effective listening or active listening is a communication skill that involves giving complete attention to the person speaking to you. An effective listener gives their undivided attention to the person talking and uses nonverbal cues, like body language, alongside verbal cues (such as asking questions) to demonstrate their attentiveness.

Effective listening is an important part of your communication skill set because it encourages openness, honesty, and collaboration. When you pay attention to your conversation partner, you show that person you value their opinions, thus building trust and making them feel like their words matter to you.

In the workplace, effective listening cuts down on miscommunication, facilitates conflict resolution and problem-solving, and generates a more positive atmosphere for sharing.

Effective listening is an active process you can practice in your working relationships with coworkers or team members. Try these tips to become a better listener:

1. 1. Ask questions: Learning how to ask the right questions is an essential active listening skill for effective communication. Ask questions relevant to what the speaker just said and use clarifying questions to make sure you fully understand their points. You can ask about additional information or pose open-ended questions to allow them to elaborate on their message.
2. 2. Avoid judgment: Make the speaker feel you are not being critical or judgemental about what they are saying. A good listener will keep an open mind and not interject or correct the speaker. Use both nonverbal and verbal active listening techniques to demonstrate you understand their point of view.
3. 3. Provide feedback: When you are face-to-face with the speaker, encourage them by giving subtle cues you are listening to what they are saying. Use nonverbal cues like nodding your head or verbal cues like saying “I understand” to provide them with a sign you are present and open to what they are saying.
4. 4. Summarize key points: Restating what the speaker said in your own words is a valuable listening skill that demonstrates you heard and understood. Wait for them to finish speaking, then follow up with a quick summary of the main points. Try to paraphrase their points succinctly and allow them to clarify if you misunderstood one aspect of the speaker’s message.
5. 5. Watch your body language: The speaker observes your body language to determine if you are listening to what they are saying. Maintain eye contact while they speak and face your body toward them to show you are giving your full attention. Avoid fidgeting or looking away to demonstrate you are offering your full attention.

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