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• Active listening definition full#

not automatic reflection of expressions) can be a sign of inattention. Attempting to consciously mimic facial expressions (i.e. These reflective expressions can help to show sympathy and empathy in more emotional situations. MirroringĪutomatic reflection/mirroring of any facial expressions used by the speaker can be a sign of attentive listening. Other signs of active listening may include a slight slant of the head or resting the head on one hand. The attentive listener tends to lean slightly forward or sideways whilst sitting. Posture can tell a lot about the sender and receiver in interpersonal interactions.

Combine eye contact with smiles and other non-verbal messages to encourage the speaker. Eye contact can however be intimidating, especially for more shy speakers – gauge how much eye contact is appropriate for any given situation. It is normal and usually encouraging for the listener to look at the speaker. Combined with nods of the head, smiles can be powerful in affirming that messages are being listened to and understood. Small smiles can be used to show that the listener is paying attention to what is being said or as a way of agreeing or being happy about the messages being received. However these signs may not be appropriate in all situations and across all cultures. This is a generic list of non-verbal signs of listening, in other words people who are listening are more likely to display at least some of these signs. Signs of Active Listening Non-Verbal Signs of Attentive or Active Listening Generally speakers want listeners to demonstrate ‘ active listening’ by responding appropriately to what they are saying. Appropriate responses to listening can be both verbal and non-verbal, examples of which are listed below: Listeners should not be tempted to jump in with questions or comments every time there are a few seconds of silence. Active listening involves giving the other person time to explore their thoughts and feelings, they should, therefore, be given adequate time for that.Īctive listening not only means focusing fully on the speaker but also actively showing verbal and non-verbal signs of listening. Active listening is also about patience - pauses and short periods of silence should be accepted.

Listeners should remain neutral and non-judgmental, this means trying not to take sides or form opinions, especially early in the conversation. Listening is not something that just happens (that is hearing), listening is an active process in which a conscious decision is made to listen to and understand the messages of the speaker. Listening is the most fundamental component of interpersonal communication skills. By providing this 'feedback' the person speaking will usually feel more at ease and therefore communicate more easily, openly and honestly. Interest can be conveyed to the speaker by using both verbal and non-verbal messages such as maintaining eye contact, nodding your head and smiling, agreeing by saying ‘Yes’ or simply ‘Mmm hmm’ to encourage them to continue.

Active listening definition full#

As well as giving full attention to the speaker, it is important that the ‘active listener’ is also ‘seen’ to be listening - otherwise the speaker may conclude that what they are talking about is uninteresting to the listener. That is fully concentrating on what is being said rather than just passively ‘hearing’ the message of the speaker.Īctive listening involves listening with all senses. ' Active listening' means, as its name suggests, actively listening. Non-Verbal Communication: Face and VoiceĪctive listening is a skill that can be acquired and developed with practice. However, active listening can be difficult to master and will, therefore, take time and patience to develop.Tips for Effective Interpersonal Communication.