How can one improve their active listening skills?

Maintaining eye contact and providing feedback are essential components of active listening, which is the practice of fully concentrating on what is being said rather than just passively hearing the speaker's words. By making eye contact, you demonstrate your engagement and interest in the conversation, making the speaker feel valued and understood. Providing feedback, such as nodding, using verbal affirmations like "I see," or paraphrasing what the speaker has said, helps to clarify and reinforce your understanding. This interactive approach encourages a more dynamic dialogue and fosters rapport between the speaker and listener, making effective communication more likely.

In contrast, using distractions during conversations detracts from the ability to effectively listen. Interrupting with questions disrupts the flow of communication and can signal to the speaker that you are not fully attentive. Summarizing only at the end of the conversation can lead to missing key points during the discussion, reducing the effectiveness of the exchange and potentially leading to misunderstandings. Therefore, actively engaging through eye contact and feedback is crucial for enhancing active listening skills.