7 tips for practicing your active listening skills

When we listen to understand rather than respond, we practice active listening. It’s a potent skill for staying focused and present during a conversation.

• Focus on the speaker
• Listen to what the speaker is saying — even if it’s not what you want to hear
• Use your own words to paraphrase what you heard them say
• Ask clarifying questions if you need help understanding
• Avoid judgment
• Avoid making assumptions
• Wait until you’ve listened to their entire message before you respond

Source: PsychCentral