Learning active listening

In short: Active listening means giving the speaking person full attention and signalling understanding, instead of just waiting for your own turn to respond. It improves relationships and resolves misunderstandings.

In more detail: The term was coined by psychologist Carl Rogers.

In detail

• Full attention: Put away distractions such as your phone.
• Not interrupting: Let the other person finish speaking.
• Summarising: Repeat what was heard in your own words to show understanding.
• Asking open questions: “How did that feel for you?” instead of closed questions.
• Body language: Eye contact and an open posture signal interest (koerpersprache-verstehen).
• Not giving advice immediately: Understand first, then respond.
• Practice: Active listening can be deliberately trained, for example in conversations with friends.