Active listening is the practice of being fully present with another person in a relationship—mentally, emotionally, and physically. It means giving your full attention in a deep, active way, holding one’s judgment of one’s thoughts and ideas, and responding with intention. It is not just about hearing words—its about *hearing the thoughts and ideas that lie underneath* the words.
WHY ACTIVE LISTENING SKILL?
It creates genuine trust and connection.
Decreases conflict and helps with miscommunication.
Improves collaboration and teamwork.
Helps build empathy and emotional intelligence.
Prepares you to respond with clarity—not just react.
The 5 Key Elements of Active Listening
1. Presence – Minimize distractions and focus completely on the speaker
2. Paraphrase – Reflect their thoughts back to your understanding
3. Clarify – Engage in thoughtful, open-ended questions
4. Nonverbal Communication – Look them in the eye. Nod. Use open-body
language
5. Patience – Avoid interrupting. Really allow time for them to say what they need to say.
Develop the Skill Step
1: Minimize distractions
• Keep your phone away from you• Turn off notifications
• Be intentional about creating space for conversations.
Tip: Even quick eye contact and brief silence demonstrate you are listening better than words can convey.
Step 2: Utilize LEAP
• L: Listen Judgement-free• E: Empathize (put yourself in their shoes)
• A: Ask open questions (“What happened next?” “How did that feel?”
)• P: Paraphrase and reflect back
_Step 3: Create Micro-Moments Focus on starting small. The next time you have someone talking to you, during your time
:• Wait 2 seconds before responding
• Repeat one line of what they said
• Ask a follow-up question instead of giving advice Instead of: “Here’s what I would do…” Try: “That sounds frustrating, what do you think might help?”
Step 4: Request Feedback
• Ask a friend, partner, or team member, “When we talk, do you feel fully heard?”
• Be receptive to their feedback and don’t defend – just listen.
Step 5: Reflect & Journal
At the end of each day ask yourself:
• Who did I actually listen to today?
• When did I fail to pursue a deeper conversation?
• What difference did listening and receptivity make?
7-Day Listening Practice
Day Practice
Mon One conversation, zero interruptions, total focus (5 min
Tue Ask 2 open-ended questions during a conversation
Wed Before responding to someone, paraphrase their point back
Thu Listen to a podcast → summarize out loud
Fri Ask someone for feedback on how you listen
Sat Watch how you perform under duress to check your body language
Sun Journal your wins & difficulties
💬 Additional Phrases for Practice:
• “Can you elaborate on that…?
“• “From what I’ve gathered, it seems that…”
• “That sounds like it was meaningful—how did that impact you?
“• “Did I capture that correctly?”
Forms of Engagement to Avoid:
• Interjecting a solution, before they finish sharing their thoughts
• Daydreaming when someone is talking
• Completing their sentences for them
• Turning the story into something about you instead (“That happened to me too…”)
Final Note: Being attentive and practicing active listening are the most powerful gifts you can give to someone else. Active listening is not necessarily being in sync with someone else—it’s about being present and listening to gather understanding.
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