Active Listening Basics
What is the goal of active listening?
To better understand, remember, and engage with the speaker’s message.
Name one technique to identify the main point of a message.
Focus on examples, images, or emphasis like volume or repetition.
What verbal cue signals a transition?
Words like “first,” “next,” or “in conclusion.
What type of question offers a wide range of answers?
Open-ended questions
What’s the first thing to do when receiving negative messages?
Show empathy or paraphrase.
In what situations is active listening most useful?
When the listener cannot directly respond, like during presentations.
What is summarizing in active listening?
Restating main ideas in your own words.
Name one way speakers organize their messages.
Using bullet points, comparisons, or chronological order.
What is a primary question?
The first question introducing a topic, e.g., “What do you think?
What does showing empathy help achieve?
It fosters open communication and trust.
Why is it important to remember main points rather than details?
It’s easier to recall structured main ideas
How does paraphrasing improve understanding?
It confirms understanding and shows effort.
Why is note-taking useful for organizing?
It tracks focus and engages the listener actively.
What kind of question seeks unbiased information?
Neutral questions like, “Tell me more.
What’s a common reaction to negative messages?
Defend, disagree, resist, retaliate, or deny.
What’s one way to make listening personal?
Relating the message to personal experiences.
What technique involves acronyms to retain information?
Visualizing the message using mnemonics.
Why is it helpful to recognize structure in a message?
It bridges main ideas and aids retention.
Provide an example of a secondary question.
What specific part is hard to get
After showing empathy, what should you do next?
Work toward a solution.
What is the benefit of relating a message to your own experiences?
It engages and motivates you to listen carefully.
How does visualizing a message help retention?
It reinforces understanding through mental connections.
What non-verbal cues show attentiveness?
Nodding, eye contact, or other gestures.
Explain the difference between neutral and directed questions.
Neutral seeks unbiased info; directed guides the speaker toward specific answers.
Name two best responses to negative news.
Paraphrasing and questioning.