Hello lovely students! I think that one of the most important skills to master, not just for learning a language, but also for life in general, is your ability to listen. Active listening skills are the foundation of language learning, and they can help you to become a better communicator. Today, I’d like to share a great concept with you: active listening!
Now, this isn’t just about hearing the words that are being spoken; it’s about fully engaging in the conversation, paying full attention to the speaker, comprehending the conveyed ideas and providing thoughtful responses.
Sound difficult? It’s really not that hard if you put your mind to it. Let’s have a look at this concept in more detail.
Active Listening: The Basics
So, what is active listening?
Basically, it is when you give ALL your attention to the person who is speaking. You tune into their words, their tone and their body language, and try to truly understand what they want to communicate. It is more than just hearing what’s being said; it’s about demonstrating that you’re engaged in the conversation and that the speaker’s words are valued and heard.
Why Practise Active Listening?
Being a better listener helps build trust and establishes positive relationships between you and other people. I mean, who wants to have a conversation with someone who isn’t REALLY listening to them? If you listen attentively to what someone is saying, you encourage them to feel heard and validated, which fosters open and constructive communication.
Another important reason for it is that you avoid missing out on critical information during a discussion. In a business setting, getting the wrong information could lead to big problems down the line.
For language learning, this technique can help learners hear the language used in real-life contexts, understand varied accents, pronunciation and expand their vocabulary. This type of listening practice is a really helpful tool in language learning!
How to Become an Active Listener
It’s actually a lot easier than it sounds. It’s just about cultivating habits and skills that create active engagement and interest when speaking with other people. Here are some active listening techniques to help you become a more attentive listener:
Maintain Eye Contact
If you keep eye contact with the speaker, it is a non-verbal way of showing that person that you’re fully engaged in the conversation.
Show That You’re Listening
Non-verbal cues like nodding, smiling and maintaining open body language, show that you’re paying attention.
Provide Feedback
A great idea is to paraphrase what you’ve heard or ask open-ended questions which not only show that you’re interested and actively involved, but also clarify your understanding.
Avoid Interrupting
Allow the speaker to finish their thoughts before you respond. Interrupting can make them feel unheard and can disrupt the flow of conversation.
Don’t Be Judgmental
An essential aspect of active listening is providing a safe, non-judgmental space for the speaker to express their ideas and feelings.
Active Listening in English Learning
Active listening allows learners to grasp the meaning behind words, understand the context in which they are used and learn how to use them correctly themselves. Plus, it provides learners the opportunity to learn the nuances of pronunciation and intonation from native speakers.
There are some great online resources such as podcasts, audio books and videos that offer a wealth of resources that can develop English listening skills. Just remember that the goal is not just to understand the words being spoken, but also to comprehend the message being conveyed.
Practical Active Listening Techniques
Now that we have gone through the basics, I want to offer you some practical methods to significantly boost your English listening skills.
Listen to Various Learning Materials
By exposing yourself to a wide array of English learning materials, you could gradually improve your ability to listen to other people before practising it in the real world. There are videos designed specifically for English learners that focus on different subjects. You can start with those, then gradually move on to more challenging materials as your active listening skills improve.
Engage with Native Speakers
Having real-world conversations with native speakers is one of the best ways to practise active listening. It exposes you to the natural flow of the language, different accents and colloquial terms. By practising active listening in a real-world context, it provides an opportunity to respond and communicate your own thoughts and ideas.
Take Online Quizzes and Tests
Online quizzes and tests are fantastic tools to evaluate your listening skills. These tests often come with sample questions, answers and explanations, allowing you to understand where you need to focus and improve. These tests range from beginner right through to advanced level, catering to learners with varying English listening skill levels.
Practice Reflective Listening
Reflective listening is a technique where you repeat back the speaker’s voice or message to confirm your understanding. It’s a powerful way to practise active listening as it helps you pay attention, understand the message better and respond effectively.
Attend English Learning Meetings
Meetings with teachers and colleagues or group sessions dedicated to English learning can be highly beneficial for practising active listening. If you listen to other people speak, understand their viewpoints and then respond with your own ideas, this can significantly improve your active listening skills.
Tips for Effective Active Listening
- Be present in the conversation
- Maintain eye contact
- Show you’re listening with gestures
- Be patient and allow the speaker to finish their thoughts
- Use open ended questions to clarify your understanding
- Reflect back the speaker’s message to confirm comprehension
- Be non-judgmental and support the speaker
By integrating active listening techniques into your practice routine, you can enhance your English listening skills and become a more attentive listener. Remember, active listening isn’t a skill you acquire overnight. It requires consistent practice, patience and dedication. But rest assured, the effort is well worth the outcome. So, start to work on your active listening now, and let the learning follow!
Want more help with your listening? My range of English language courses are full of opportunities to develop stronger listening skills with video lessons, audio recordings and transcripts. All the key language points and vocabulary are described in full detail which will help you to understand everything I say! Check out my courses here.
FAQs
(Frequently asked questions)
Q: How can I practise listening?
A: There are several ways to practise listening. You can listen to various English learning resources like podcasts, audio books and videos. Engaging in conversations with English speakers also helps. Taking online quizzes and tests, practicing reflective listening exercises and attending English learning meetings can further improve your listening skills.
Q: How can I practise listening skills online?
A: Online platforms offer abundant resources to practise listening skills. Podcasts, audio books and language learning websites often provide materials specifically designed for various skill levels. Online tests can help gauge your listening proficiency and highlight areas for improvement. Additionally, language learning forums and social media groups offer opportunities to listen and engage with native speakers, thereby enhancing your listening skills.
