Communication : Active Listening

Active listening is a key part of communication. Read this guide to learn about active listening and complete the quiz to test your knowledge!

When we think of communication skills we often think of someone who very naturally presents and speaks well, those people who make you stop and listen. World leaders, news reporters, tv presenters or our favourite youtuber’s tend to be really good at this. It might surprise you that communication isn’t all in the talking, it’s in the listening too.

We explored active listening in your Young Professional training but we want to delve a little deeper in this weeks challenge. Active listening is making sure you are fully concentrating on what other people are saying (and what they are not saying!).

To be able to communicate effectively you need to be paying full attention. Whilst it might seem silly you have to think of listening as something you actively do. Just assuming you are naturally listening won’t make you an A* communicator, you’ll miss things as your mind starts to wander.

Whether you are talking to friend, colleague or teacher there are certain ways of showing you are listening. You can show you are interested by listening attentively, giving eye contact and giving a nod in agreement or agreeing vocally. It can be daunting for a person to present even to just one person so an active listener can help them feel at ease.

An active listener :

  • Pays full attention to what is being said
  • Engages in the conversation with eye contact and nods of encouragement
  • Waits until the person has finished talking and does not interrupt

Signs of active listening (without talking)

Smile – A smile goes a long way to showing you are listening and encouraging the speaker – this is sometimes known as positive encouragement or reinforcement

Eye Contact – This isn’t a staring competition but maintaining eye contact can show you are interested. Presenters will often try to make sure they are engaging with everyone in the room

Body language – we spoke about body language in first communication challenge but sitting forward can often show you are listening and mirroring people’s behaviour.

Fidgeting, looking at your phone, doodling or playing with your hands are signs you are distracted and not listening – it can also be a little bit rude!

Of course being a good communicator isn’t just about sitting in silence whilst someone talks, you can give positive reinforcements by agreeing with what is being said. You can also ask questions to show your interest and to get more information. You should wait until a natural break in the conversation (if you are speaking in an informal setting), if you are listening to a presentation the presenter will often invite questions at a point that suits them.

Let’s test what you know

0%

What is active listening?

Please select 2 correct answers

Correct! Wrong!

Active listening is something you are always doing, and it’s also something you need to make the effort to do.

Sometimes it can take a lot of effort to give someone your full attention and your mind can wander. But listening is a big part of communicating well!

How can you show you are actively listening?

Please select 3 correct answers

Correct! Wrong!

You can show you are actively listening by smiling, mirroring behaviour, and making eye contact.

Using your body language shows you are focused on the person speaking and you care about what they have to say.

Complete this sentence. An active listener…

Correct! Wrong!

The answer is… an active listener gives their full attention to what is being said.

Asking questions and sharing your experience can show that you are listening, but jumping in and interrupting the person speaking does not. Wait until it is your turn to speak, then share what you have to say – and make sure it is relevant!

Also, it’s hard to do lots of things at once, and it shows you aren’t paying attention. Put distractions away, face the person speaking, and listen to what they have to say

Tagged in:

Discover Youth Friendly Employers

Martin Brower Careers Break into business, admin and supply careers with Martin Brower. Don't settle for the status quo. EXPLORE Pret Apprenticeships & Careers When you apply for a Pret Apprenticeship or junior role, you’ll belong to a community of achievers. Get support on your own unique career journey! EXPLORE NCFE Vocational Qualifications Young people get amazing perks when they work for the NCFE, with apprenticeships and more. The training is great, too. EXPLORE ABP Foods Apprenticeships, graduate schemes and an AMAZING early careers academy in the world of sustainable food EXPLORE Environment Agency Careers Our work helps to protect and improve the environment to make it a better place for people and wildlife. Join us! EXPLORE Aspiration Training Traineeships & Apprenticeships in childcare, dental nursing, teaching, health/social care, and business admin EXPLORE Essex Youth Service Aged 13-25 and live in Essex? Get involved in fun activities, The Duke of Edinburgh's Award and online Plan B Traineeships. EXPLORE Severn Trent Careers Discover opportunities for apprentices, graduates and undergraduates in the office and beyond! EXPLORE IHG Early Careers Discover how you can grow your career in hospitality! EXPLORE Generation: Free Skills Training Get FREE skills and careers training today! Generation gives you skills and connects you with employers to find a job fast. EXPLORE The British Library Work experience, internships and apprenticeships with The British Library open up a WORLD of possibilities. EXPLORE Prezzo Restaurant Careers Prezzo offers so many early careers, from cooking great food and giving great customer service to managing like a boss! EXPLORE Coca-Cola EuroPacific Want to work for one of the most well-known brands in the world? They work hard to develop their young people! EXPLORE Haven Joining Haven is more than just a job. Our early careers are a breath of fresh air! EXPLORE Careers in Eyecare From healthcare lab to high street fashion - you don't need a degree to open your eyes to eyecare careers EXPLORE Careers in Racing Horse racing is a great career choice! British Racing is the 2nd largest spectator sport after football. EXPLORE Catch22 Youth Services Want to overcome barriers in life, whatever your background? Want employers to give you a chance? We can help. EXPLORE Coach Core Apprenticeships See how Coach Core Apprenticeships get you into sport careers EXPLORE Get Into Teaching You can get a teaching degree for FREE with apprenticeships! EXPLORE Historic England Discover early careers in heritage for all backgrounds, skills and interests. EXPLORE Working in local government Local government touches everyone's lives every day EXPLORE McDonald's Early Careers You probably knew you can get McDonald's Apprenticeships. Did you know you can also study for a FREE Management Degree? EXPLORE Royal Air Force There’s nothing like a career in the RAF, it’s not just a job but a way of living. EXPLORE Surrey County Council Careers Thinking about rewarding apprenticeships and early careers in a diverse environment? Fire up your career with SCC! EXPLORE VHR Technical Recruitment The VHR talent academy can help you get into a successful technical recruitment career - with NO experience! EXPLORE
VHR
Pret A Manger

Email us at info@youthemployment.org.uk or call 01536 513388.

Build Skills + Confidence

Want a big boost in your life and work skills? Sign up to our free online Young Professional programme today!

Young Professional Programme

Get FREE skills training when you sign up. Get support with your personal confidence, positive attitude and coping with change!

Self Belief | Communication | Teamwork | Problem Solving | Self Management

FREE Online Courses

Boost your skills and careers confidence with FREE online courses. Complete them your own pace and get a certificate for your CV! Sign in as a Young Professional to get automatically enrolled.

Get Jobs + Experience

Find Opportunities

Looking for jobs and opportunities near you? Sign in as a Young Professional to see the latest jobs, apprenticeships, grad schemes, CV workshops, career events and early career opportunities in your area!

Latest Careers Help

Be Yourself

Mental Health

Stay Curious

Overcoming Barriers

For Students

Student Guides

For Teachers

Teacher Resources

Teachers - see how to use the Young Professional programme in your school or college, with lots of free teaching resources at your fingertips.