Active Listening

Active listening is a communication technique often employed by professionals in the counseling or conflict resolution fields. Essentially, active listening requires the person to repeat back what they just heard said, paraphrasing in their own words in order that correct meaning has been understood. Active listening techniques can help anyone improve the retention of what they hear, as well as improve their understanding of basic communication.

Scientists have discovered that the average person retains only between 25 and 50 percent of what they hear. This inability to retain information can affect one's personal or professional life. For example, if one only remembers one quarter of something a boss has said, serious problems can result. Active listening, as a part of good communication skills, requires higher levels of self-awareness. A person must make a conscious effort in order to hear, not just what the other person is saying, but the entire meaning of their verbal communication.

The key to active listening is to pay attention to whomever is speaking. Many people, when engaged in conversation, are simply waiting for their turn to speak, often rehearsing their points in their own head while others are speaking. This is the opposite of active listening, and may lead to conflict or at the very least, misunderstanding. One way to let others know that you are engaging in active listening is repeating what you believe was just said.