Active Listening

Practicing active listening during your conversation with a staff member will help both of you get the most out of the discussion. 

Below are some principles of active listening:

  • Don’t try to guess what the other person is experiencing: be curious and thoughtful.

  • Be aware of your body language: maintain an open, relaxed posture and maintain eye contact.

  • Silence is a powerful listening skill.  Be quiet and give the person time to think, as well as talk.

  • Repeat back your understanding of what they have said to make sure you understand correctly.

  • Don’t judge.

For more tips on active listening go to Mind Tools' section on active listening

 

Last updated Thu, Sep 21, 2017