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Thursday, September 15, 2016

Active Listening

How can you use active listening to improve your English conversation skills?
Just follow these 4 steps:
  1. Make eye contact with your listener
  2. Nod your head occasionally or show some expression
  3. Say, ”Uh huh,” ”Yeah,” and/or ”MmmHmm.”
#2 and #3 are best right after the other person finishes a complete thought, this shows your understanding and consideration.

When you’re quiet, don’t join in a conversation, avoid eye contact, keep your head down and don’t move at all, you will be left out of the conversation. And some people will think that you don’t care. This can be a major communication issue – giving an unwanted negative impression.

One easy way to show you care is to practice ”active listening” as shown in the video lecture. It is easy to do – it doesn’t even involve grammar or vocabulary!

Communication killers - avoid these actions for better communication:
  • Crossing your arms does not really mean you are thinking or considering. Crossing your arms seems more like you are being defensive or negative.
  • Silence does not necessarily tell others that you are thinking. Silence might be interpreted as you don’t care. If you want to show that you need time to think, say, “Let me think about that...” or use an active listening sound from English like, “Hmm...”
  • Looking away from someone’s eyes does not always equal giving respect in the US. Avoiding eye contact could convey that you are not trustworthy and/or not confident.
To be a natural communicator and show that you care about a conversation use these active listening suggestions.