From Hear to Here: Mastering Listening to Respond

Are you tired of people talking at you and not with you? Do you find yourself zoning out during conversations, only to realize that someone is waiting for your response? Fear not! With a few simple steps, you can become a master of listening to respond. In this article, we will cover everything from the importance of active listening to how body language affects communication.

What is Active Listening?

Active listening is more than just hearing what someone says. It involves the listener being fully engaged in the conversation and trying to understand the other person’s perspective. This means no multitasking – put away your phone and focus on the conversation at hand.

The Importance of Active Listening

Active listening establishes trust between both parties involved in a conversation because it shows that one party values what the other has to say.

Additionally, active listeners have better retention when it comes time for them to recall information presented to them. Researchers found that we forget up 50% percent among adults immediately unless they actively engage with it/represent or summarize as feedback (Tucker & Fishner).

Finally, by paying full attention orally/conceptually/physically/listening beyond their words –for example empathizing–listeners are able to pick up subtle cues conveyed through tone or body language which inform how they should respond.

Techniques for Active Listening

There are many techniques one can use when practicing active listening – here are some examples:

Mirroring Body Language

Research shows individuals who mirror each other’s physical stance show agreement/camaraderie (Johannesen-Schmidt). Next time someone feels heard/receive validation consider ‘mirroring’ their posture/pacing/movements above/below waist depending context/language/dominant cultural norms/tools used (e.g., email vs video call)

Asking Open-Ended Questions

Open-ended questions prompt someone’s perspective instead of ratifying/seeming like leading conversation down pre-determined path. Asking ‘What do you think?’ is a good starting point which opens up the floor to offer more reflection/specificity/details based on listener interest in desired direction.

Summarizing Points Diligently

After they’ve finished speaking, it might be wise to summarize what someone said; by doing so it makes sure you get their perspective right/let them know that their ideas are valuable/possibly prevent misunderstandings. However, spend wisely/review how this could seem condescending if already familiar with person and they provide essential detail first time-around

Non-Verbal Cues

Non-verbal cues make up the majority of our communication – around 93%. This includes things like eye contact, facial expressions and body language.

Eye Contact

Eye contact carries multiple meanings cross-culturally including dominance/friendship/intimacy (Buchan et al). Keep that in mind when making eye contact/directing gaze towards speaker to not unintentionally disrupt social norms/cultural expectations and crossing boundaries or establish rapport as relevant depending on context.

Facial Expressions

Facial expressions reflect different emotions/thoughts Ex: furrowed brows/body posture-leaning-in can represent intrigue while pursed lips/fidgeting/lack cluster formations attempts at divert/disengage aspects –you want to understand Intent & Impact of Embodied Presence when interpreting messages–.

Something important is also simply trying to avoid sending mixed signals/wearing a restive face means that although audience may engage/make an effort speak concisely but inhibits flow thereby worsening central issue originally presented from narrator standpoint), ackward silence/shutting one down potentially building up walls vs opening doors/gates for healthy exchange!

Body Language

The way we move our bodies communicates even more than words sometimes. If someone fakes nodding off or retracts arms during conversation something might be troubling them. Look out for these bodily signs and consider asking the person if everything is okay before re-engaging in discussion

Responding to what someone says

After working on your active listening skills, you will need to respond appropriately – here are a few tips!

Reflect back on their own Words

Start with by reflecting on what someone just said. For example: ‘So let me make sure I understand…’

Engage Curiously Instead of Defensively Or Aggressively

Make it clear that you’re curious/trying not intending get one up or score points. Ask follow-up questions like “what do you mean?” / “how so” etc..to encourage them elaborate without feeling attacked/judged/listened-to.

Making it further evident evokes desire comprehension & being open minded vs hearing into area of reception at heart expression – understanding where they come from exploring options constructively/etc interest possible underlying emotions considerations occasionally subtly hinted thus can move past surface level discussioin which leads more insights/benefits casual behaviors/circumstances thoughts-troubless shared from individuals close nearest potential associates/to stranger sitting next to passenger-seat beside bus driver 🙂

Offer Solutions or Clarifying Statements When Necessary

While there isn’t always an instant solution once problem identified offerring troubleshooting suggestions/clarity around intent/noticing shared values faced obstacles & leverage accordingly connection building validates issue itself and perhaps fruitful way forward if mutual goals centered based upon sincerity/knowledge gaps consistent integrity through clarification even when facts hold opposing stance — compassionate kernal shall plant seeds fruitfullness across myraid contexts relationships/problems.

Conclusion

Listening actively involves dedication/restraint tackling personal tendencies such as attempting prepare response rather accepting tentative perspective + challenges normative communication processes – instead questioning how embodied representations hues meaning making particular case/environmental circumstatnce inter subjectivity is co-performativity lensing–bearing in mind external/internal pressures when using trans generational languages to generate empathic cocoons of trust seeking fruitful exchanges when workind collaboratively. In this way, you will master listening to respond!