Active Listening

Be there in the moment with the person talking

give them your undivided attention

do not multi task

Be non-judgemental

• avoid why questions

• do not minimize what is being said

Allow for quiet time during conversation for people to be silent

• do not fill the silence with your own talking

• some people need time to think

• silence allows you time to think of a response

Listen for messages in their feelings and body language

• listen for their feelings and not just the facts

• pay attention to body language

Restate what was said by the person in your own words

• this will allow you to clarify what was said

• this will let people know you are listening to them and will provide validation

• run through key points to affirm your understanding

• ask (non-threatening) questions to build understanding

• interpret after you feel you have grasped content