Example of active listening

Listen or read:

An example of active listening is when someone not only stays silent and listens during a conversation but also shows that they understand and are engaged with the speaker. This can be done through non-verbal cues (like nodding or making eye contact), verbal acknowledgments (such as saying "yes" or "I understand"), and by paraphrasing or summarizing what the speaker has said.

For example, if a colleague is sharing a problem with a project, active listening might look like this:

  1. Listening attentively without interrupting while the colleague explains the issue.
  2. Providing affirming responses, like nodding or saying "I understand," to show you are engaged.
  3. Summarizing what you’ve heard: “So, if I understand correctly, you’re having trouble meeting the deadline because of the additional tasks you’ve been given?”
  4. Asking open questions to gain more details: “What do you think could help reduce your workload?”

By actively listening, the speaker feels heard and understood, which can help create an open and constructive conversation.