Importance of Active Listening in Communication
One primary benefit of active listening.
Better understanding of the speaker's message;
Improved social relations by showing interest in the speaker's efforts to communicate;
Activate critical thinking skills from engaging with the topic and bringing your own thoughts on the subject.
A positive result you can gain from active listening in class or in personal relationships.
Improved understanding;
Stronger relationships;
Increased critical thinking by fully appreciating the speaker's message and engaging your own thoughts on the topic.
One external factor that can act as a barrier to active listening.
Distractions;
Irrelevant or unnecessary interruptions;
Believing you already know what the speaker intends to say.
A primary nonverbal cue that signifies active engagement and attentiveness.
Eye contact.
One way that active listening contributes to better results (in class or in personal relationships) through communication.
In class, it shows interest and engagement with the topic;
In personal relationships, it builds trust and connection between individuals by showing that the listener values the speaker's opinions and ideas.
A skill that active listening can help individuals develop by making them more attuned to the feelings and statements of a speaker.
Increased empathy
An internal factor that might hinder active listening and involve preconceived judgments.
Prejudice;
Bias;
Disinterest in the speaker or topic.
A nonverbal communication involving the use of gestures and movements to convey messages without words in class or in a business setting.
Nodding in agreement;
Leaning forward slightly to show interest and engagement with the topic;
Good eye contact;
Taking notes (in class or at work when someone is giving instructions or directions).
One way to demonstrate your interest in a topic.
Add helpful, relevant questions and useful comments on the topic being discussed, whether in class or in a personal conversation.
A way that active listening can contribute to more effective conflict resolution.
Improving open dialogue;
Understanding all parties' perspectives on the matter;
Discovering areas of common agreement in an area of conflict.
A barrier to active listening that happens when listeners lack (or don't practice) the ability to put themselves in the speaker's situation.
Lack of empathy
One thing that facial expressions can communicate in active listening.
Emotions;
Reactions to the speaker's words;
Understanding;
Appreciation for the point the speaker is making.
Two important qualities that active listening shows to the speaker.
Interest;
Willingness and readiness to learn;
Respect;
Appreciation for the speaker's ideas or thoughts;
A way that active listening benefits problem-solving efforts in a collaboration.
Allowing the gathering of all relevant information and perspectives.
One common distraction that can impede active listening in the digital age.
Smartphones;
Earbuds playing while 'listening' to someone
A way that nodding and other subtle gestures can enhance active listening.
Showing agreement or understanding without interrupting the speaker
One way that active listening can improve results in academic settings.
Increased understanding of the topic;
Positive relationships with teachers who appreciate the interest and respect;
Ability to identify main ideas and supporting details on a topic.
One main advantage of practicing active listening in communication.
By contributing to deeper learning and understanding;
By improving the quality of communications;
By strengthening relationships between speaker and listener because of the listener's interest and willingness to learn.
A way a speaker can help minimize the barrier of interruptions or inattention when listeners are not practicing active listening.
Politely asking for uninterrupted speaking time and focus on the topic being discussed.
A reason why nonverbal cues are important in active listening.
They can provide additional context and meaning to the spoken words.