Active listening

Active Listening

Active listening is a communication technique used in counselling, training, and conflict resolution. It requires that the listener fully concentrate, understand, respond and then remember what is being said. This is opposed to other listening techniques like reflective listening and empathic listening.

Pronunciation

• Active: /ˈæk.tɪv/
• Listening: /ˈlɪs.ən.ɪŋ/

Etymology

The term "active listening" is believed to have been coined by psychologists Carl Rogers and Richard E. Farson in 1957. The word "active" comes from the Latin "activus", meaning "given to action", and "listening" comes from the Old English "hlysnan", which means "to listen, hear, obey".

Related Terms

• Reflective listening
• Empathic listening
• Communication
• Counselling
• Conflict resolution
• Training

Description

Active listening involves giving the speaker feedback, such as the nodding of the head or using body language and gestures to show that you are engaged in the conversation. It also involves the listener repeating back to the speaker what they have heard to confirm understanding and to check for accuracy.

Active 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.

Benefits

Active listening has many benefits. It helps to build rapport, understanding and trust, reduces conflicts and misunderstandings, and increases the accuracy of information exchange. It is a fundamental component of effective communication.

See Also

• Nonverbal communication
• Interpersonal communication
• Verbal communication

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