Start >Active Listening >Some Examples of Demonstrating Active Listening

SITTING FORWARD	Shows the mentee that you are interested in what's being said. However, don't crowd the individual otherwise it might be seen as an aggressive stance.
PARAPHRASING/SUMMARISING WHAT'S BEEN SAID	To check understanding of information given.
EYE CONTACT	Brief eye contact on a regular basis shows the speaker that you are listening & interested. Don't continuously gaze into their eyes, as this will make them uncomfortable.
MAKING NOTES	Indicates to the mentee that what he/she is saying provides additional information, including own emotions.
QUESTIONING WHAT'S BEEN SAID	Demonstrates that you have been listening to what has been said and that you require further clarification etc.
POSITIVE NOISES	Such as "yes", "go on", "hmm" etc help to get the mentee to continue to speak and elaborate on the discussion area.

 

	Positive		Negative
	Verbal	Non-Verbal	Verbal	Non-Verbal
Tapping your pen as the mentee is speaking
Nodding your head as the mentee is speaking
Saying 'yes' during the mentee's conversation
Looking at your watch
"Sorry, what did you say?"
Making contact with the mentee's eyes
Tutting whilst a suggestion is being made by the mentee