Are you tired of feeling like you’re not really being heard in conversations? Do you find yourself constantly zoning out or thinking about what to say next instead of truly listening to the person speaking? If so, then it’s time to learn the art of active listening. This powerful technique can help you build stronger relationships, diffuse conflicts, and improve your overall communication skills. In this article, we will explore what active listening is, how it could be a beneficial workplace tool and just how you can practice it in English. 

What is active listening?

Active listening is a communication technique that involves fully focusing on, understanding, and responding to the person speaking. It goes beyond just hearing the words being said – it requires you to be fully present and engaged in the conversation. By actively listening, you show the speaker that you value their words and opinions, creating a sense of mutual respect and understanding.

When practicing active listening, it is important to give the speaker your undivided attention. This means putting away distractions such as phones or laptops, and maintaining eye contact. By doing so, you convey to the speaker that you are genuinely interested in what they have to say.

The benefits of active listening

Active listening offers numerous benefits, both personally and professionally. 

• Improved communication: Active listening ensures that messages are received and understood accurately.
• Enhanced relationships: When you actively listen, others feel valued and respected, which strengthens your relationships and fosters trust.
• Conflict resolution: Active listening can help resolve conflicts by promoting understanding and empathy among parties involved.
• Increased productivity: By fully engaging in conversations, you can gather information more effectively and make better-informed decisions, ultimately increasing your productivity.
• Personal growth: Active listening helps you expand your knowledge, broaden your perspectives, and develop empathy, leading to personal growth and development.

How to practice active listening in English

Active listening becomes even more important when you are communicating in another language. English has lots of nuances and subtleties, and being an active listener helps your understanding and communication abilities, especially in a business setting.

So, how can you practice active listening in English? Let’s explore some effective strategies:

1. Keep an open mind 

Approach conversations with an open mind, free from preconceived ideas or biases. That way, you’ll be free to truly listen and absorb what the speaker is saying. Go in with the intention of being receptive to new ideas and perspectives, and you may find that you broaden your understanding of the topic. Whether you’re discussing a project, a client or a problem, you’ll be more likely to have a meaningful and productive dialogue. 

2. Be patient and avoid interruptions

One of the most important tenets of active listening? Avoid interruptions. So, for important conversations, choose a quiet place where you’re not likely to be disturbed. Turn off notifications on your phone, and give the speaker your full attention. Make sure to allow them time to fully express their thoughts and ideas. Interrupting someone while they are speaking is not only seen as disrespectful, but it also disrupts their flow. 

By allowing the speaker to express themselves without interruption, you create an environment that encourages open and effective communication, regardless of the position of each individual.

3. Use non-verbal cues 

Non-verbal cues such as nodding, maintaining eye contact, and leaning in slightly show the speaker that you are actively listening and interested in what they have to say. These cues play a significant role in effective communication by establishing a sense of connection and rapport between you and the speaker. As well, they indicate that you are processing the information as you give this non-verbal feedback. In this way, you also suspend judgment and avoid interrupting, so the speaker feels comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings. 

4. Paraphrase and clarify 

Summarizing the speaker’s main points in your own words shows that you are paying attention and confirms your understanding of the message. For example, you could say, “So, what I’m hearing is that you’re feeling frustrated with the current situation. Is that correct?” This not only confirms your understanding but also encourages the speaker to elaborate if necessary.

If you have specific doubts, asking clarifying questions allows you to seek further information. Questions such as “Can you provide an example?” or “Could you elaborate on that point?” helps to target any areas of confusion and encourages further conversation. This ensures that you have an accurate understanding of what is being communicated, which can be reassuring to the speaker.

5. Offer positive reinforcement

Acknowledging the speaker’s thoughts, ideas, or emotions with supportive statements such as “That’s a great point” or “I can understand why you feel that way” validates their experiences and fosters a respectful and open dialogue. By offering positive reinforcement, you create an environment where individuals feel valued and heard, strengthening your relationships with others.

How active listening helps you to build relationships

Active listening is a valuable skill that can significantly enhance your communication abilities. By practicing active listening, you can build stronger relationships, improve problem-solving skills, and create a more inclusive and productive workplace environment. So, the next time you find yourself in a conversation, take a moment to pause, listen, and truly engage with the person speaking. You’ll be amazed at the powerful impact active listening can have.

Next up, learn how to communicate with empathy in English, and practice your new communication skills with ELSA AI. 

If you have an appraisal, a salary negotiation or a tricky conversation in work, you can roleplay these conversations ahead of time with ELSA AI. Our AI-powered English tutor will give you feedback on your pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar, point out any errors you make, and suggest areas where you can improve, so you can be sure you are communicating in English to the best of your ability!