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Active Listening is an effective communication skill that is characterized by attentively listening to the speaker, sufficiently retaining the information they’re presenting, and responding mindfully.

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For example, “An active listener generally communicates interest and concern by posture and eye contact” (Ryan and Zimmerelli 23).

Works Cited

Ryan, Leigh and Lisa Zimmerelli. “Inside the Tutoring Session.” The Bedford Guide for Writing Tutors. 5th ed., 2010, pp. 23.

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Active listeners note significant changes in the speaker’s tone, which occur most often as the speaker presents important information. They focus on the speaker’s words rather than allow their minds to drift elsewhere. They ask clarifying questions to better understand the speaker’s points and convey attentiveness.

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Active listeners respond appropriately to listeners with body language, facial expressions, and words. Appropriate responses show the speaker that the listener values and understands the information being presented, or, in some cases, needs clarification. Some great ways a listener can respond to the speaker are listed on Psych Central's website here:

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From improved relationship satisfaction to enhanced empathy, research shows that active listening is a life skill worth mastering. Here's how to train yourself to be a better listener.

Restate

When you repeat facts or important details back to someone, it sends a clear message that you're picking up what they're putting down.

For example, "So, then what happened after John called you back?"

Summarize

After your conversation partner is done telling a story, find a way to thread the details together, then ask to make sure what you heard is accurate.

It may sound something like, "It sounds like you're frustrated because your boss dismissed your idea, am I hearing that correctly?"

Minimal encouragers

According to a , minimal encouragers can help signal your interest.

Minimal encouragers include actions like:

making direct eye contact

having open body language

carrying an engaged facial expression

nodding your head

Minimal encouragers also include employing a few verbal reactions, like:

Reflect

To help someone feel heard, you can think of yourself as a mirror. Reflect back to them that you're taking their words as seriously as they are.

For example, "I can see that what happened at your work meeting today was really important to you."

Give feedback

It's best practice to ask permission to give guidance, such as, "I have a suggestion about how to go about this. Are you open to feedback?"

If you get a green light, you could share your observations about the situation and how you've handled something similar in the past.

If the other person says they don't want your feedback, you can respond by thanking them for their honesty and moving on.

Name the core emotion

You might be able to suss out an underlying emotion to better understand what might be going on with the person you're talking with.

Psychologist Robert Putchick designed an eight-pronged wheel of foundational emotions and the sentiments that branch out from each. It's still being studied and updated today.

Identifying someone's emotion when they're communicating might look like this:

If a friend tells you a date didn't show up, you might try, "You sound pensive, my friend. I hear you expressing some annoyance. If that happened to me, I'd be a bit angry and sad."

If given the opportunity, probe

If appropriate, you may find it useful to dig a little deeper by asking open-ended questions or hypotheticals. For example, "What will you say if they offer you the job tomorrow?"

To show that you're on the same wavelength, you can express how much it means to you that someone opened up.

It could sound like, "I know this wasn't easy to talk about. It means a lot to me that you feel comfortable enough to share this."

Employ the pregnant pause

Rather than jumping into a response after someone finishes speaking, soak in what you just heard. Try taking one mindful breath before you begin a sentence.

Silence

One mouth, two ears: This age-old adage exists for good reason.

Instead of being concerned about how you're going to respond, focus on what the other person is saying.

'I' statements

Have you ever had someone "should" on you? It doesn't exactly feel warm and fuzzy. You may walk away feeling criticized, judged, or blamed - none of which spell good communication.

To avoid falling into a "you should this" or "you should try that" expectations and judgments trap, you can lean on "I" statements instead.

Redirect

If things start to go on a tangent, you may gently redirect the person you're speaking with. You could try this: "Before we move on, can we back up and talk about that other thing?"

Repeat back patterns, but let them draw a conclusion

Sometimes, active listening involves noticing patterns or parallels. You may find it useful to gently point out a past scenario - if it's relevant. Be sure to keep it open-ended, though, so the person you're talking with can do the heavy lifting.

For example: "I remember you saying something similar the last time you got back together. What happened after you moved back in with him?"

In the age of distractions, active listening is both an art form and a vital skill to learn.

As a cardinal rule, you might think of yourself as a mirror. You can do your best to focus on what the person is saying, then reflect important details and emotions back to them, instead of focusing on your response.

The qualities of a good listener include compassion, empathy, and patience. You can try asking open-ended questions and avoiding giving unsolicited advice. If you must offer guidance, you can do so gently.

By practicing these tactics, you can learn how to be a better listener in no time.

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From improved relationship satisfaction to enhanced empathy, research shows that active listening is a life skill worth mastering. Here's how to train yourself to be a better listener. When you repeat facts or important details back to someone, it sends a clear message that you're picking up what they're putting down.

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Utilizing active listening during tutoring sessions at the Writing Center is vital for achieving effective communication between the tutor and tutee.
Good listening skills are one of the most vital qualities of a tutor. The better you listen, the more you will understand. The more you show understanding, the more your tutee will talk, " as written on Chandler GIlbert Community College website.

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Active Listening Strategies | Chandler-Gilbert Community College

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Active Listening Strategies | Chandler-Gilbert Community College

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Active listening encourages the tutee to express their ideas whole-heartedly and truthfully, and if the tutee knows that their words are valued, they’re more likely to open up to the tutor with any questions or concerns regarding their writing.