Active Listening: The Art of Effective Communication

Communication is at the heart of everything we do each day, whether at home, work or play. It involves talking and listening – actively listening. Unfortunately, in today’s technology-driven, fast-paced world, studies suggest many of us are spending less and less time to really listening to one another.

As an active listener, it’s important to try to understand the message from the speaker’s point of view. It includes letting the speaker know you’re listening and you’ve understood what was said. Head nodding, smiles and eye contact are indications you’re tuned in.

"We were given two ears but only one mouth,
because listening is twice as hard as talking."

Epictetus (AD 55 – c.135)

Mind you, this is not the same as hearing, which is a physical process where sound enters the eardrum and messages are passed to the brain. Rather, active listening can be described as an attitude that leads to listening for shared understanding. When we make a decision to actively listen, we listen for the content (the message) of what’s being said as well as the attitude behind what’s being said. Is the speaker happy, angry, excited, sad…or something else entirely?

Active listening encompasses the best of communication: actually hearing and understanding what’s being said, processing the information and responding in order to clarify and elicit more information.

Active listening is the foundation of effective communication. It solves problems and resolves conflicts. It builds relationships and careers.

Develop and practice these six tips to boost your listening skills:

Make a Decision to Listen. Close your mind to clutter and noise, and look at who is speaking to you. Give them your full attention.

Don’t Interrupt. Make it a habit to let them finish what they’re saying. If they have thoughts they’re processing and speaking about, and wait to ask questions or make comments until they’ve finished.

Use Positive Body Language. The occasional nod, smile or hand/arm gesture shows you’re listening to their every word. Avoid folding your arms across your chest as this may reflect defensiveness or disinterest.

Maintain Eye Contact. Don’t get distracted and let your eyes wander. Focus on the person say they know you're listening.

Put Yourself in the Speaker’s Shoes. Empathy is the heart and soul of good listening. If the person with whom you’re speaking expresses sadness, anxiety, or happiness, you should mirror the same feelings in your body language and words. This not only conveys you’re a good listener but also shows respect.

Ask Questions throughout the Conversation. Asking questions show you’re engaged and interested in what they have to say. Your ability to summarize and paraphrase will also demonstrate that you hear them loud and clear.

About the Author: Nancy Schnoebelen Imbs is an empowering professional development consultant, dynamic motivational speaker and author. Highly dedicated and results-oriented, she has the skill and passion for helping individuals become more confident and successful in business and beyond. She and her company Polished help clients focus on key adjustments that result in meaningful impact and effectiveness.