Enhancing Listening Skills: Active Listening Practice

Article: "Eight Ways Police Can Improve Their Active Listening Skills"
Read the article here.

Instructions:

1. Read and Reflect (5 minutes)
   Review the article titled “Eight Ways Police Can Improve Their Active Listening Skills.” Think about your current communication practices. Do you often find yourself distracted during conversations or thinking about your response before the speaker finishes? Reflect on the following questions as you read through the article:

   • Which of the eight strategies mentioned resonate with you most?
   • Do you already implement any of these strategies in your daily conversations?
   • Which areas do you think need improvement?
2. Choose Two Active Listening Techniques to Practice (5 minutes):
   After reading the article, choose two active listening techniques from the list that you would like to work on over the next week. Some of the strategies include:
   • Making Eye Contact: Focusing your attention and showing respect by looking at the speaker.
   • Avoiding Interruptions: Letting the other person finish before responding.
   • Paraphrasing: Restating what the speaker says to ensure understanding.
3. Write down the two strategies you’ve chosen and your plan for practicing them.
   Example:
   • “I will practice paraphrasing during conversations to ensure I understand what is being said.”
   • “I will avoid distractions and focus on making eye contact during all my interactions.”
4. Apply in Real Conversations (Ongoing):
   Over the next week, practice the two active listening techniques in every conversation, whether with colleagues, supervisors, or the public.
   • Focus on the quality of listening—make eye contact, avoid distractions, and ask clarifying questions if necessary.
   • Paraphrase key points to show understanding and allow the speaker to feel heard.
   • Note how each conversation goes and make a mental note of your progress.
5. Reflection After a Week of Practice (10 minutes):
   After one week of practicing these techniques, reflect on the following questions:
   • How did I feel during conversations when I actively listened?
   • Did people seem more engaged when I paraphrased or asked clarifying questions?
   • What challenges did I encounter while practicing these techniques?
   • How did my active listening impact my interactions with colleagues, supervisors, or community members?

Reflection Questions:

1. What did I learn about myself as a listener during this activity?
2. How did practicing active listening change the dynamics of conversations?
3. What is one way I can continue to improve my listening skills to enhance my interactions at work and in my personal life?