Five steps to active listening are: paying attention; showing that you're listening; providing feedback; deferring judgment; and responding appropriately. Listening is one of the most important skills you can have.
Listening skills are vital for interpersonal communication. How well do you listen? Learn more about listening and the skills required for effective listening.
Being an active listener means making the choice not to speak, not to contribute your opinion, not to defend your perspective or belief, and not to offer solutions or suggestions for change in service of first fully understanding the speaker. Below are four core skills that can help you accomplish this goal.
Active listening helps you build trust and understand other people's situations and feelings. In turn, this empowers you to offer support and empathy. Unlike critical listening, active listening seeks to understand rather than reply.
Are you a learner at B2 English level (upper intermediate)? This section offers listening practice to help you understand extended, standard speech about familiar topics that may contain complex ideas. Situations include broadcasts, reviews, presentations and lectures.
Listening practice to help you understand the main points of clear, standard speech about everyday or job-related topics. Situations include phone calls, meetings and interviews.
This article will describe a listening technique called active listening. It’s useful in building therapeutic relationships and creating empathy. You will learn the benefits of active listening and how it makes you a better communicator.
Listening is an emotional skill that enables us to be sensitive to what others are saying, prioritizing their expression of thoughts and feelings over ours. Through active listening, we deliver the message that we want to be there for that person, providing a safe space where they will not be judged, disbelieved, or criticized.
Listening practice to help you understand familiar words and basic phrases when people speak slowly and clearly. Situations include meeting people, shopping and conversations at work!
Are you a pre-intermediate (CEFR level A2) learner of English? Practise and improve your listening skills with these listenings and exercises.