Improving Active vs. Reflective Listening Skills

 

Instructions:

  1. Watch the Video Above (5-7 minutes):
    • Watch the video on Active vs. Reflective Listening Skills.
    • Pay attention to the differences between active listening (fully engaged in the conversation, showing empathy) and reflective listening (repeating or paraphrasing what the other person has said to ensure understanding).
  2. Identify a Recent Conversation (3-5 minutes):
    • Think of a recent conversation where you interacted with a colleague, family member, or community member.
    • Reflect on the communication style you used. Did you practice active listening (focused on understanding) or reflective listening (repeating and validating)?
    • Jot down the key points of that conversation and identify which listening skill (active or reflective) you predominantly used.
  3. Choose One Skill to Practice (5-10 minutes):
    • For your next conversation today (whether personal or professional), choose one listening skill (either active or reflective) to focus on.
      • Active Listening: Practice fully focusing on the speaker, maintaining eye contact, nodding, and using non-verbal cues to show that you're engaged.
      • Reflective Listening: After the speaker has shared their thoughts, try summarizing what they've said to ensure understanding and demonstrate empathy (e.g., “So what I’m hearing is...”).
  4. Note Your Observations (3-5 minutes):
    • After the conversation, take a moment to reflect on how using either active or reflective listening affected the communication.
    • Did it make the other person feel heard? Did it improve the clarity of the exchange?
    • Write down any insights about how this skill can improve future interactions.

 

 

Reflection Questions:

  1. How did focusing on active or reflective listening change the quality of your conversation?

  2. In what type of interactions do you think one skill (active or reflective listening) would be more effective than the other?

  3. How can improving your listening skills impact your interactions with community members, colleagues, or your family?
  4. What specific actions can you take to practice these listening skills daily, both at work and outside of work?