UU150 Study Guide - Final Guide: Active Listening, Pay Attention
About Active Listening
The way to become a better listener is to practice "active
listening."
What does this mean? It means that you make a conscious effort
to not only hear what someone else is saying, but importantly,
try to understand the message being conveyed.
In order to do this you must pay attention. This means not
allowing yourself to drift off, get distracted or lose focus. If these
things happen, you are less likely to be listening and to
understand the message.
Becoming an Active Listener
1. Pay Attention
Give the speaker your undivided attention, and acknowledge
the message.
oLook at the speaker directly.
oPut aside distracting thoughts.
oDon't mentally prepare a rebuttal!
oAvoid being distracted by environmental factors. For
example, side conversations.
o"Listen" to the speaker's body language.
2. Show That You Are Listening
Use your own body language and gestures to convey your
attention.
oNod occasionally.
oSmile and use other facial expressions.
oNote your posture and make sure it is open and
inviting.
oEncourage the speaker to continue with small verbal
comments like yes, and uh huh.
3. Provide Feedback
Our personal filters, assumptions, judgments, and beliefs
find more resources at oneclass.com
find more resources at oneclass.com
Document Summary
The way to become a better listener is to practice "active listening. " It means that you make a conscious effort to not only hear what someone else is saying, but importantly, try to understand the message being conveyed. In order to do this you must pay attention. This means not allowing yourself to drift off, get distracted or lose focus. If these things happen, you are less likely to be listening and to understand the message. Give the speaker your undivided attention, and acknowledge the message: look at the speaker directly, put aside distracting thoughts, don"t mentally prepare a rebuttal, avoid being distracted by environmental factors. For example, side conversations: "listen" to the speaker"s body language, show that you are listening. Our personal filters, assumptions, judgments, and beliefs can distort what we hear. As a listener, your role is to understand what is being said.
