Here are some key ways to become an active listener:

1. Be Present: Put away distractions like phones and focus entirely on the speaker. Make eye contact and show you’re engaged through your posture.
2. Listen to Understand, Not Respond: Don’t formulate your response while the other person is talking. Focus on comprehending their message before crafting your reply.
3. Ask Open-Ended Questions: Go beyond yes/no answers. Ask “why” and “how” questions to encourage them to elaborate and share their thoughts more deeply.
4. Paraphrase and Summarize: Briefly restate what you heard to show you’re paying attention and to confirm understanding.
5. Acknowledge Emotions: Pay attention to nonverbal cues and validate their feelings. “It sounds like you’re feeling frustrated” shows you’re engaged with their emotional state.
6. Avoid Interrupting: Let them finish their thoughts before responding. Patience demonstrates respect and allows for a more complete exchange.
7. Minimize Judgment: Listen without forming immediate opinions or criticisms. This creates a safe space for open communication.
8. Be Patient with Silence: Allow for pauses in the conversation. Silence doesn’t always mean they’re finished; it can be a time for reflection.
9. Respond Appropriately: Tailor your responses to the situation. A serious conversation may require a different tone than a casual chat.
10. Practice Makes Perfect: Active listening is a skill that improves with effort. The more you consciously practice these techniques, the more naturally they’ll become.