Active listening means you hear not just the words the person is saying, but the entire message. Here are some tips for active listening:
- Give the speaker your full and undivided attention.
- Clear your mind of distractions and judgements.
- Don’t interrupt with your own thoughts.
- Show open, positive body language to stay focused and to show the speaker that you are listening.
- Paraphrase what you’ve heard when you respond.
- Ask open-ended questions to help get additional information.