Active Listening

Duration: Offered as a 90 minute webinar or 2 days in class

Course Overview

Communication skills are at the heart of everything we do each day, whether at home, at work, or at play. Active listening encompasses the best of communication, including listening to what others are saying, processing the information, and responding to it in order to clarify and elicit more information. This course will help participants develop and practice their active listening skills.

Learning Objectives

  • Define active listening and its key components
  • Identify ways to become a better listener
  • Use body language to reflect a positive listening attitude
  • Understand the difference between sympathy and empathy, and when each is appropriate
  • Create a listening mindset using framing, positive intent, and focus
  • Be genuine in your communications
  • Understand the communication process
  • Ask questions, probe for information, and use paraphrasing techniques
  • Build relationships to create an authentic communication experience
  • Identify common listening problems and solutions

Course Outline

1. Course Overview

2. Defining Active Listening

  • What is Active Listening?
  • Identifying Good Listeners
  • Tips for Becoming a Better Listener
  • Pre-Assignment Review

3. Body Language Basics4. Attitude is Everything!

  • Understanding Sympathy and Empathy
  • Creating the Right Mindset
  • Being Genuine
  • Making Connections

5. Encouraging Conversation

  • What Is Said and What Is Heard
  • Asking Questions
  • Probing Techniques
  • Paraphrasing Techniques
  • 6. Building Relationships
  • Building Common Ground
  • NLP Tips and Tricks

7. Getting Over Listening Roadblocks

8. Personal Action Plan