Active listening

Active listening is the process of listening to what another person is saying and taking time to understand the message. It involves more than just hearing words, it requires understanding the speaker's feelings and thoughts as well as their intentions.  

Active listening requires focus, concentration, patience and empathy. It requires a willingness to learn from others. Active listening is not passive or unresponsive; it's all about being responsive. It involves reflecting back on what you hear so that the speaker knows you understand and care about what they're saying.

There are some signs showing that your audience is activity listeners. They include: 

• Direct eye contact — is the main sign of active listening. 
• Restating what the speaker says.
• Nodding as a way to show interest.

• Listening with empathy. The listener acknowledges that other people have different experiences and shows an interest in those differences.
• Listening with respect. The listener respects the speaker and treats him or her as an equal, regardless of rank or position within the organization or community.
• Listening with a sense of urgency (or "no time to lose"). The listener conveys that he or she is committed to resolving whatever issue has been brought forward and will work quickly and efficiently toward that end, even if it means making difficult decisions along the way.
• Listening with a sense of humor (while taking all concerns seriously). This type of active listening demonstrates an understanding not only that you are being serious but also how important it is for everyone involved to be thoughtful about their contributions as part of an ongoing conversation—and one in which every voice matters equally.

The benefits of active listening include improved communication, problem-solving and reducing conflict. It shows respect for the speaker and encourages better decision-making.

The process of active listening helps express your own thoughts. If done well, active listening can also help with expressing your own thoughts as well because it gives your brain time to process what was said and formulate a response that can be communicated clearly and concisely without any interruptions or misunderstandings on either side of the conversation.

It also helps clients feel like they were heard and understood by business owners/managers/supervisors. You can also use active listening when giving feedback or making decisions about what needs to change in the workplace if there are problems with communication in the office or on your team.