What Are the Three Important Active Listening Skills?

Active listening skills are important for successful communication. Active listening, sometimes called empathic listening, involves more than just hearing; it requires becoming engaged with the speaker and the conversation. It also allows the speaker to direct the flow of conversation and in some cases allows self-understanding for the speaker. These skills come naturally for some people, but anyone can learn to be an active listener with patience and practice.

Reflection

• Reflection is repeating back what the speaker has said while emphasizing feelings. An example of reflection is, "So, it sounds like you are feeling really mad at your friend right now." This lets the speaker know that you not only heard the words that he said, but understood the meaning of what he was saying.

Summarization

• Summarizing is restating the important facts from what the speaker has said. This demonstrates that you have paid attention to the speaker and ensures that you have received all of the information. It also allows the speaker to clarify information or add to what she has said. This is particularly useful when the speaker has become "long winded" and has diverted from the purpose of the conversation.

Clarification

• Clarifying is requesting further information or inquiring about the accuracy of information. An example of clarification is "Are you saying you feel disappointed because your friend did not call?" This skill ensures that you are accurately understanding the information and demonstrates to the speaker that you are interested in what he is saying.

Other Skills

• There are other important active listening skills. Probing for deeper meaning by asking questions, and validating thoughts and feelings with responses that show you are interested, are two additional useful listening tools. Using active listening skills can build and deepen personal relationships and make professional relationships more effective and successful. Initially, they may feel unnatural in conversation, but with practice you can use active listening skills comfortably and effectively.