What Is Active Listening? Active Listening In A Nutshell

Active listening is the process of listening attentively while someone speaks and displaying understanding through verbal and non-verbal techniques. Active listening is a fundamental part of good communication, fostering a positive connection and building trust between individuals.

Technique	Verbal Examples	Non-Verbal Examples
Paraphrasing (Summarization)	“So if I understand you correctly, the content management system you are using at present does not meet your business needs because it fails to provide support for large images and videos.”	Nodding while listening to a colleague’s presentation.
Open-Ended Questions	“You are correct when you state that the customer checkout process could be updated. What are some of the changes you envisage making to the process over the next quarter?”	Avoiding actions that imply distraction during a client’s description of their pain points.
Sharing Similar Experiences	“In a previous role, I also found this accounting software problematic. But once I overcame the steep learning curve and acquainted myself with all the features, I found that it was much easier to use.”	Leaning back and crossing arms mirroring a prospect’s posture during a sales meeting.
Recalling Previously Shared Information	“In one of our discussions a few weeks ago, you mentioned that you were looking to add more experience to the project management team. I can see that this move has been beneficial for the organization!”	Leaning forward slightly while listening to a friend’s story.
Displaying Empathy	“I’m truly sorry that the video projector failed in the middle of an important presentation. Let’s work together to determine how I can help you avoid this scenario in the future.”	Leaning forward slightly while listening to a friend’s story.
Building Trust and Rapport	“Let me know what I can do to help. I had a detailed look over your website and was impressed to discover that you donate 5% of sales revenue to environmental organizations.”	Leaning forward slightly while listening to a friend’s story.

Table of Contents

Understanding active listening

In defining active listening, it is useful to describe the difference between listening and hearing.

Listening means receiving sounds with deliberate intention and is an active skill that improves through conscious effort and practice. Hearing, on the other hand, is a passive act involving the process and function of perceiving sound.

The individual who hears without listening has little interest in what another person has to say. They may simply be bored of the conversation or be actively forming a counterargument for when it is their turn to speak.

Active listening goes hand in hand with good communication. Expressing thoughts, feelings, and opinions effectively can only be achieved by truly listening to the thoughts, feelings, and opinions of the speaker.

Furthermore, a speaker who has the listener’s undivided attention is more likely to feel heard, understood, and accepted. For this reason, active listening builds trust and fosters a deep connection between individuals.

Non-verbal active listening techniques

Following is a generic list of non-verbal techniques that may or may not be representative of active listening:

Smiling combined with nodding of the head – this shows the speaker the listener is paying attention to what is being said. It is also confirmation the listener understands and is happy about the messages conveyed.
Eye contact – too much eye contact comes across as disingenuous, while too little shows a lack of interest. Listeners should always strive for somewhere in between, matching their level of eye contact to the confidence of the speaker. Eye contact can be combined with other non-verbal signals for encouragement.
Posture – active listeners lean forward slightly or sit sideways. Some may also rest the head on one hand.
Mirroring – or the process of imitating the facial expressions or posture of the speaker. Studies have shown that mirroring is a human bonding mechanism and can be used to show empathy during emotional conversations.

Verbal active listening techniques

Now that we’ve covered non-verbal techniques, let’s take a look at some verbal strategies:

Paraphrasing (summarisation) – this means the listener restates the information given by the speaker in their own words. Paraphrasing demonstrates to the speaker that their message has been listened to and understood. It also allows the listener to clarify their understanding of the message if unsure.
Open-ended questions – or any question that cannot be answered with a ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Open-ended questions encourage the speaker to expand on a topic and let them know their ideas matter to the listener. It also relaxes nervous speakers since most people are quite comfortable talking about themselves and what matters to them most.
Positive reinforcement – if used sparingly, positive reinforcement encourages the speaker to continue. Frequent use of words such as ‘yes’ or ‘indeed’ should be avoided. Instead, the listener should elaborate on why they are supportive of a particular point.
Sharing similar experiences – when the listener shares a comparable experience, it lets the speaker know their message has been interpreted successfully. Shared experiences also encourage strong relationships to form.
Recalling previously shared information – while the listener should never take notes during a conversation, it is worth mentioning concepts, ideas, or other points from a previous conversation. This is a good way to show the speaker that their words were listened to and made a lasting impression.

Active listening examples

Here are a few examples of active listening to shed some light on how it may be embodied in practice.

For this section, we’ll provide both verbal and non-verbal examples across various techniques.

Verbal active listening examples

Paraphrasing (summarisation)– “So if I understand you correctly, the content management system you are using at present does not meet your business needs because it fails to provide support for large images and videos.”
Open-ended questions – “You are correct when you state that the customer checkout process could be updated. What are some of the changes you envisage making to the process over the next quarter?”
Sharing similar experiences – “In a previous role, I also found this accounting software problematic. But once I overcame the steep learning curve and acquainted myself with all the features, I found that it was much easier to use.”
Recall previously shared information – “In one of our discussions a few weeks ago, you mentioned that you were to looking to add more experience to the project management team. I can see that this move has been beneficial for the organization!”
Displaying empathy – “I’m truly sorry that the video projector failed in the middle of an important presentation. Let’s work together to determine how I can help you avoid this scenario in the future.”
Building trust and rapport – “Let me know what I can do to help. I had a detailed look over your website and was impressed to discover that you donate 5% of sales revenue to environmental organizations.”

Non-verbal active listening examples

Nod – in a sales presentation, the audience nods periodically at the speaker to show they understand what is being communicated to them.
Nod and smile – When a nod is combined with a smile in the same scenario as above, audience members not only practice active listening but also show that they agree with the presentation’s content or broader message.
Avoiding any actions which imply distraction – now imagine a scenario where a company is listening to a prospective client describe its pain points to them for the first time. The company representative remains still to communicate that they are focussed on what the prospect is saying. In other words, they do not fidget, look idly around the room, shift in their seat demonstrably, play with their hair, check their smartphone, or tap their pen against the desk.
Posture – further to the example above, the company representative leans forward a touch when listening to the prospect’s pain points. They may also choose to sit slightly sideways and, in some cases, may rest their head against one hand.
Mirroring – sticking with the sales meeting between a prospect and client, the company rep notices that the prospect leans back as they talk and sometimes crosses their arms. To increase trust and build rapport, the rep does the same in a way that is subtle and unlikely to cause offence. Whilst not their natural style, the rep also strives to match the prospect’s friendly and excitable tone of voice.

Key takeaways:

Active listening is the process of listening attentively while someone speaks. It is distinct from the process of hearing which is passive and typically occurs in a distracted state.
Active listening is a fundamental part of good communication, fostering a positive connection and building trust between individuals.
Active listening can be supported by various non-verbal and verbal techniques. These include smiling, eye contact, mirroring, positive reinforcement, paraphrasing, and the asking of open-ended questions.

Key Highlights

Active Listening Defined: Active listening involves attentively and deliberately listening to someone while they speak, demonstrating understanding through both verbal and non-verbal cues. It is a vital aspect of effective communication that builds connections and fosters trust.
Listening vs. Hearing: Listening is an active skill that requires conscious effort and practice, while hearing is a passive process of perceiving sound. Active listening is a deliberate action that goes beyond merely receiving sounds.
Role in Communication: Active listening complements good communication by allowing individuals to express thoughts and feelings more effectively. By truly understanding the speaker’s thoughts and feelings, active listeners create an environment of acceptance and understanding.
Non-Verbal Techniques: Non-verbal cues, such as smiling while nodding, maintaining appropriate eye contact, posture adjustments (leaning forward or sideways), and mirroring the speaker’s expressions, contribute to active listening.
Verbal Techniques: Verbal strategies for active listening include paraphrasing or summarizing the speaker’s message in one’s own words, asking open-ended questions that encourage elaboration, providing positive reinforcement without overuse, sharing similar experiences to show empathy, and recalling previously discussed information.
Examples of Active Listening: The provided examples illustrate how active listening can be applied in both verbal and non-verbal ways. Paraphrasing, asking open-ended questions, sharing experiences, recalling information, displaying empathy, and building trust are demonstrated through various scenarios.
Key Takeaways: Active listening is distinct from hearing, requires intentional effort, and enhances communication by creating understanding and trust. It involves both non-verbal cues (like smiling, nodding, and mirroring) and verbal techniques (such as paraphrasing and asking open-ended questions).

Framework	Description	When to Apply
Active Listening	Active Listening is a communication technique that involves fully engaging with and understanding the speaker’s message. It requires focused attention, empathy, and nonverbal cues to demonstrate understanding and encourage further communication. Active listening involves techniques such as paraphrasing, summarizing, clarifying, and reflecting feelings to ensure accurate comprehension and rapport building. By actively listening, individuals can enhance communication effectiveness, build trust, and strengthen relationships.	Active Listening is applied in various interpersonal and professional contexts, including conflict resolution, counseling, leadership, customer service, and team collaboration. It is particularly useful in situations where clear communication, empathy, and trust are essential for building positive relationships and achieving mutual understanding.
Reflective Listening	Reflective Listening is a subset of active listening that involves mirroring the speaker’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences to demonstrate understanding and validation. It focuses on reflecting back the speaker’s words, emotions, and underlying meanings without judgment or interpretation. Reflective listening encourages speakers to explore their thoughts and feelings more deeply and fosters a sense of empathy and connection.	Reflective Listening is applied when seeking to understand another person’s perspective, emotions, or experiences more deeply. It is commonly used in counseling, therapy, coaching, and supportive conversations to facilitate self-awareness, empathy, and emotional processing.
Empathic Listening	Empathic Listening goes beyond understanding the speaker’s words to deeply connect with their emotions, experiences, and perspectives. It involves putting oneself in the speaker’s shoes, suspending judgment, and genuinely caring about their feelings and needs. Empathic listening requires active engagement, emotional intelligence, and genuine concern for the speaker’s well-being. It helps build trust, strengthen relationships, and foster a supportive environment for open communication and collaboration.	Empathic Listening is applied in interpersonal relationships, counseling, coaching, mentoring, and leadership to cultivate empathy, rapport, and mutual understanding. It is particularly valuable in situations involving emotional or sensitive topics, where individuals seek validation, support, and reassurance.
Nonviolent Communication (NVC)	Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a communication process developed by Marshall Rosenberg that emphasizes empathy, authenticity, and compassionate listening. It focuses on expressing feelings and needs honestly and empathically, while also listening with empathy and understanding. NVC encourages individuals to communicate assertively, resolve conflicts peacefully, and build mutually satisfying relationships based on trust and respect.	Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is applied in interpersonal relationships, conflict resolution, mediation, negotiation, and community building. It helps individuals express themselves authentically, connect with others empathically, and navigate challenging conversations with empathy and understanding.
Socratic Questioning	Socratic Questioning is a method of inquiry that involves asking open-ended questions to stimulate critical thinking, reflection, and dialogue. It encourages individuals to explore their assumptions, beliefs, and reasoning processes more deeply by challenging their perspectives and encouraging self-discovery. Socratic questioning fosters active engagement, curiosity, and cognitive flexibility, leading to deeper insights and understanding.	Socratic Questioning is applied in coaching, mentoring, teaching, counseling, and problem-solving contexts to facilitate reflection, learning, and decision-making. It encourages individuals to explore complex issues, consider multiple perspectives, and arrive at more informed and nuanced conclusions.
Appreciative Inquiry	Appreciative Inquiry is an organizational development approach that focuses on identifying and amplifying strengths, successes, and positive experiences within organizations. It involves asking open-ended, affirmative questions to envision a desired future and co-create positive change collaboratively. Appreciative Inquiry fosters a culture of optimism, innovation, and collaboration by emphasizing strengths-based approaches and collective visioning.	Appreciative Inquiry is applied in organizational change, strategic planning, team development, and innovation initiatives to inspire positive change, engage stakeholders, and harness collective creativity. It helps organizations leverage their strengths, aspirations, and positive experiences to envision and create a better future together.
Mindful Listening	Mindful Listening is a practice of being fully present and attentive to the speaker’s words, emotions, and body language without judgment or distraction. It involves cultivating mindfulness, awareness, and non-reactivity to fully engage with the present moment and the speaker’s message. Mindful listening promotes deep understanding, empathy, and connection by bringing awareness to the nuances of communication and the interplay between thoughts, feelings, and sensations.	Mindful Listening is applied in interpersonal communication, conflict resolution, meditation, and stress reduction to enhance presence, empathy, and emotional regulation. It helps individuals develop a deeper appreciation for the richness of human experience and cultivate more meaningful and authentic connections with others.
Transactional Analysis	Transactional Analysis (TA) is a psychological theory and communication framework developed by Eric Berne that analyzes interpersonal interactions and relationships. It identifies three ego states—Parent, Adult, and Child—that influence communication patterns and behaviors. TA helps individuals understand their own and others’ communication styles, motivations, and relationship dynamics, enabling more effective communication and relationship management.	Transactional Analysis (TA) is applied in counseling, psychotherapy, coaching, leadership development, and organizational communication to improve self-awareness, interpersonal skills, and relationship dynamics. It provides a framework for understanding and addressing communication barriers, conflicts, and dysfunctional patterns in personal and professional relationships.
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)	Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a goal-oriented therapeutic approach that focuses on identifying and building solutions rather than dwelling on problems. It involves asking solution-focused questions to help clients clarify their goals, strengths, and resources and develop actionable strategies to achieve desired outcomes. SFBT emphasizes collaboration, empowerment, and resilience, enabling clients to overcome challenges and create positive change in their lives.	Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is applied in counseling, coaching, therapy, and social work to help individuals overcome obstacles, achieve goals, and enhance well-being. It provides a structured and strengths-based approach to problem-solving and change management, emphasizing clients’ autonomy and agency in creating meaningful and sustainable change.
Motivational Interviewing (MI)	Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a client-centered counseling approach that aims to explore and resolve ambivalence about change. It involves eliciting and strengthening clients’ intrinsic motivation to change by expressing empathy, developing discrepancy, rolling with resistance, and supporting self-efficacy. MI helps individuals explore their values, goals, and aspirations and develop a commitment to change based on their own reasons and resources.	Motivational Interviewing (MI) is applied in counseling, healthcare, coaching, and addiction treatment to facilitate behavior change, enhance motivation, and promote self-directed learning and growth. It helps individuals overcome ambivalence, resistance, and barriers to change by fostering a collaborative and empathic therapeutic relationship based on respect, empathy, and autonomy.