What is the practice of active listening?

Active listening is the practice of fully concentrating on what is being said in a conversation. This involves giving the speaker your undivided attention, understanding their message, and responding thoughtfully. By focusing entirely on the speaker, you are more likely to comprehend their emotions, concerns, and intentions, which fosters better communication and builds trust.

This form of listening goes beyond just hearing words; it includes non-verbal cues, such as body language and tone, as well as the context of the conversation. Active listening also often includes providing feedback to the speaker, which can confirm that you are engaged and understanding their points clearly. This engagement can lead to more effective discussions and problem-solving outcomes.

Merely hearing the speaker does not engage the mind or emotions and often leads to misunderstandings. Preparing a response while the other person is speaking can distract from truly understanding their message, and ignoring the speaker’s perspective altogether undermines the communication process. Therefore, the essence of active listening is its focus on full attention and engagement with the speaker's message.