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Being An Active Listener

Active, effective listening is a good habit to learn. It promotes positive communication between people and helps maintain order, in the group setting, where many people may want to speak.

When we listen, we bring to a conversation our opinions about and our ability to understand the subject matter. Speakers have their own opinions and levels of understanding, and they may also have anxiety about speaking in front of a group. Overcoming these challenges to become a committed participant in a dialogue is at the heart of any active listening exercise.

There are always external factors when listening in an active way. There's the speaker, the subject about which he or she speaks, the mediums involved in the presentation, and the overall environment. For example, if you're standing in a crowded airport terminal, paying close attention to the speaker is going to be challenging no matter how engaged you are in the discussion. If you're right below an air conditioner vent, you might not hear as well as you would away from loud noises. Recognize avoidable distractions, and correct them when you can.

The presentation makes a difference in how well you can listen. Is the message delivered using technology, like slides or sound effects? Are concepts introduced incrementally, with examples? This matters especially when subjects are complex. If you're struggling to understand a point made earlier in the presentation, it's hard to be an active listener later in the conversation. While you don't want to interrupt the speaker, wait for a pause so that you can signal that you need to ask a question. He or she will appreciate your interest, and you can expand the knowledge you need to continue the conversation.

Active listening also requires that you suspend or at least minimize opinions, emotions, and judgments you may have on the subject. Your opinion is important, but it's also key that you focus your attention on your subject and his or her words. Better to remain passive while someone else is speaking so that you take in the full scope of what he or she says. This is not to say that what you know about the subject is not relevant—it is! But while you should review what you already know about the subject, remember that you are present to learn what the speaker has to say, not the other way around. Set aside your prejudice and your opinions until it's your turn to speak.

Try to be involved in nonverbal ways. Nod at points of the speech that move you, focus on the person speakers, lean forward to encourage the speaker and signal your interest. The point is to focus on the person communicating.

In a group situation, give the speaker space and time after talking. If you want to ask a question, first express appreciation that the speaker shared, then ask a non-threatening question that builds understanding. In the same way, if you want to make a follow-up point, briefly summarize the speaker's relevant point before sharing your own view. This builds trust and encourages dialogue and, above all, shows you were listening.

For more information please contact: Lisa Freeman, Manager of Member Services, 1–800-634-8978 Ext. 219 or lisa@ata.org