Topic № 23
Active Listening Skills

Features of Active Listening

- Neutral and nonjudgmental.
- Patient (periods of silence are not "filled")
- Verbal and nonverbal feedback to show signs of listening (e.g., smiling, eye contact, leaning in, mirroring)
- Asking questions.
- Reflecting back what is said.
- Asking for clarification.
- Summarizing.

There are five key techniques you can use to develop your active listening skills:

1) Pay attention.
2) Show that you're listening.
3) Provide feedback.
4) Defer judgment.
5) Respond appropriately.