Active Listening

Listening actively requires a specific skill set used in conjunction with a foundation of sophisticated interpersonal skills that include self-awareness, an understanding of others’ communication styles, the ability to shut out “noise” and minimize pre-judgment, and clarity around the communication goal. In this workshop, participants will learn and practice using the specific skill of active listening, while revisiting the critical interpersonal communication principles needed to ensure success at active listening.

Course Objectives

• Practice and use a strategic active listening model.
• Understand the communication model and the barriers that impede our listening.
• Consider the role of personality tendencies and communication style in your ability to actively listen.
• Consider the differences between neutral communication and “high-stakes” communication.
• Learn to shut out internal and external “noise.”
• Apply various memory-building techniques to help you build rapport and recall names, faces, and personal information.
• Set goals to establish lasting improvements in your ability to actively listen.

Course Agenda

1. Course Introduction, Participant Introductions, and Starting Thoughts
2. The Strategic Active Listening Model
3. The Communication Model and Barriers to Communication
4. The Role of Personality Tendencies and Communication Style
5. Self-Assessment of Listening Capability
6. The Importance of Withholding Judgment and Limiting Assumptions
7. Neutral versus High-Stakes Communication
8. Rapport Building and Memory-Aiding Devices
9. Synthesis Case Studies: Application of Knowledge
10. Course Wrap-Up and Goal Setting