ACTIVE AND PASSIVE LISTENING
Much of the information presented in this article thus far has focused on communication
methods that involve sending or delivering information. While
these skills are certainly necessary in order to achieve effective communication,
they only paint half of the picture. The other half of the picture is, of course,
your ability to listen effectively. Passive listening is simply hearing; in other
words, you are not really processing the entire message. You may get bits and
pieces, but more likely than not, you will not process the information that was
sent. Active listening, on the other hand, requires effort and concentration
because you want to fully understand what the speaker is saying. There are
generally four requirements for active listening:
1. Listen with intensity. Because it is easy for the mind to wander, active listening
requires concentration and focus. Instead of thinking about what you will make
for dinner or what you will wear to next week’s party, you are an active listener
if your thought process involves summarizing and integrating what is being said.
2. Listen with empathy. Your ability to put yourself in the speaker’s shoes
means that you must put your own thoughts and assumptions on hold and try
to understand what the speaker wants to communicate, rather than what you
want to understand.