Audio available in app
Active listening involves both verbal and nonverbal communication from "summary" of The Wisdom of Listening by Mark Brady
Active listening goes beyond simply hearing words spoken by another person. It involves a deep engagement with both verbal and nonverbal cues in order to truly understand the speaker's message. Verbal communication includes the words spoken by the speaker, while nonverbal communication encompasses things like body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. Both forms of communication work together to provide a more complete picture of what the speaker is trying to convey. When we actively listen, we pay attention not only to the words being spoken but also to the speaker's body language and tone of voice. For example, a person may say they are fine, but their crossed arms and furrowed brow may indicate otherwise. By being attuned to these nonverbal cues, we can better understand the speaker's true feelings and intentions. This allows us to respond in a more empathetic and supportive manner. Verbal and nonverbal communication are interconnected and influence each other during a conversation. If someone says they are happy but their tone of voice is flat and their body language is closed off, the message may come across as insincere. This mismatch between verbal and nonverbal cues can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunications. By actively listening to both forms of communication, we can pick up on these discrepancies and seek clarification from the speaker. Effective communication is a two-way street that requires both speaking and listening. Active listening involves being fully present in the moment and giving our full attention to the speaker. By incorporating both verbal and nonverbal cues into our listening, we can gain a deeper understanding of the speaker's message and respond with empathy and understanding. This level of engagement fosters stronger connections and more meaningful interactions between individuals.
Similar Posts
Acknowledge and validate others' feelings in communication
When communicating with others, it is important to show empathy and understanding towards their feelings. This means acknowledg...
Trust your instincts when interpreting nonverbal cues
It is important to pay attention to our instincts when trying to interpret nonverbal cues. Our instincts are a powerful tool th...
Live in alignment with your values and beliefs
Living in alignment with your values and beliefs means walking the talk. It means embodying the principles that you hold dear a...
Avoid jargon and technical terms when speaking to a general audience
When talking to a general audience, it's important to remember that not everyone is familiar with technical terms and jargon. U...
Use visual aids to enhance understanding
Visual aids can be a powerful tool in enhancing understanding. When we present information to others, whether in a meeting, a p...
End with a strong conclusion
As you draw your speech to a close, it is crucial to leave a lasting impression on your audience. A strong conclusion should su...
Offer help when needed
If you can help someone, why wouldn't you? It's a simple concept, really. People appreciate it when you offer them a helping ha...
Begin with the end in mind
When we talk about beginning with the end in mind, we are referring to the importance of having a clear vision of our ultimate ...
Detect inconsistencies in communication
When someone is speaking, their words may not always align with their body language or tone. It's important to pay attention to...
Cultural differences can impact the interpretation of body language cues
Cultural differences play a significant role in how body language cues are perceived and interpreted. These differences can var...