What is active listening in communication with references?
Active listening refers to the deliberate and focused effort of fully understanding and engaging with the speaker during a communication exchange. It involves giving complete attention to the person speaking, understanding their message, and providing feedback that demonstrates understanding.
Active listening entails several key components:
1. Paying attention: Active listeners focus on the speaker, eliminating any distractions that might interfere with understanding the message. They maintain eye contact, nod or provide other visual cues, and avoid interrupting.
2. Showing interest: Active listeners show genuine interest in what the speaker is saying. They participate in the conversation by asking relevant questions or clarifying points that may be unclear.
3. Withholding judgment: Active listeners refrain from making premature assumptions or passing judgment on the speaker's ideas, opinions, or actions. They create a non-judgmental and open atmosphere for the speaker to freely express themselves.
4. Empathizing: Active listeners strive to understand the speaker's perspective by putting themselves in the speaker's shoes. They try to perceive the situation from the speaker's viewpoint, showing empathy and understanding.
5. Reflecting and confirming understanding: Active listeners paraphrase or repeat parts of the speaker's message to confirm understanding. They reflect on what has been said and provide appropriate feedback, which can include summarizing, clarifying, or sharing their own thoughts on the matter.
Active listening greatly enhances effective communication by improving relationships and reducing misunderstandings. It is a vital skill in various settings, including personal relationships, workplaces, and therapeutic settings.
References:
1. Skills You Need. (n.d.). Active listening. Retrieved from https://www.skillsyouneed.com/ips/active-listening.html
2. Mind Tools. (n.d.). Active listening: Hear what people are really saying. Retrieved from https://www.mindtools.com/CommSkll/ActiveListening.htm