A "How To" on Active Listening

Few skills are as important as good listening. Active listening is more than just hearing what people are saying. It means showing others that you understand what they are saying.

Some techniques you can practice to become an active listener involve basic body language. Here are a few:

• Leaning slightly forward and towards the person you are listening to will show them that you are indeed interested in what they have to say.
• Make sure your arms are not crossed. This could send the wrong message to the speaker.
• Eye contact will show the speaker that you are paying attention to them (not your cell, other people around, the floor, etc.)
• Nodding your head or say things like "uh huh" shows that you’re listening

This is a basic tutorial on how to actively listen. The next few blogs will focus on communication and will include communicating respectfully and understanding vs misunderstanding.