Active Listening Course Overview:

Active listening is the act of listening to others in a respectful, attentive manner that withholds judgements and biases. Given that listening is one of the most important tools that we have at our disposal, it’s important that we learn how to use it effectively and for our own benefit. A lot of our time is spent listening to various sources therefore it would be understandable to think that we’re good at it, however, research suggests that only 25-50% of what is said to us, and indeed what we say to others, is absorbed and remembered. This is an incredibly low number given how much new information we are exposed to every day. Bumping this number up can help you in a wide range of sectors in your life, with some benefits including your improved productivity, ability to negotiate and persuade, as well as the chance to avoid conflicts. All of these and more can be achieved through good, active listening.

Learning Outcome:

1. Understand the fundamental concepts of active listening, including its definition, benefits, and importance in communication.
2. Learn and apply the four components of active listening: attending, understanding, responding, and remembering.
3. Identify and overcome common listening barriers, such as internal and external distractions, emotional distractions, and cultural differences.
4. Apply active listening skills in various settings, such as personal relationships, professional settings, conflict resolution, and customer service.
5. Acquire advanced active listening techniques, such as empathetic listening, critical listening, and appreciative listening.
6. Develop an action plan for continued development of active listening skills beyond the course.

Active Listening FAQ

Q: What is active listening?
A: Active listening is the process of listening to others attentively, with full respect and without judgment or bias. It involves truly hearing what the speaker is saying and engaging with the content meaningfully.

Q: Why is active listening important?
A: Active listening is crucial because it enhances productivity, negotiation and persuasion skills, and can help avoid conflicts. It ensures that a larger percentage of information is absorbed and remembered, which is vital given the vast amount of information we encounter daily.

Q: How much information do we typically absorb when listening?
A: Research suggests that we only absorb and remember 25-50% of what is said to us. Improving active listening skills can significantly increase this percentage.

Q: What are the benefits of improving active listening skills?
A: Improving active listening skills can enhance various aspects of your life, including productivity, the ability to negotiate and persuade, and the ability to avoid conflicts.

Q: What will I learn in this course?
A: The course covers the fundamental concepts of active listening, including its definition, benefits, and the four components of active listening: attending, understanding, responding, and remembering. It also addresses common listening barriers and teaches advanced listening techniques like empathetic, critical, and appreciative listening.

Q: How can active listening skills be applied?
A: Active listening skills can be applied in personal relationships, professional settings, during conflict resolution, and in customer service, among other scenarios.

Q: Is there a way to continue developing active listening skills after the course?
A: Yes, the course will help you develop an action plan for the continued development of your active listening skills beyond the course’s duration.