Steps to Active Listening

• Non-verbal cues, such as eye contact, leaning toward the speaker, and an alert expression on your face.
• Short verbal cues, such as "Uh-huh," "Yes," "I understand," etc.
• Feedback: Where the listener summarizes, clarifies, or asks questions.

Getting ready to listen means becoming prepared psychologically. It is like thinking, "OK, another person is taking a turn and I must get ready to listen." It is important in a group that every member finds a useful way to listen.

When we make a decision to listen for total meaning, we listen for the content of what is being said as well as the attitude behind what is being said. Is the speaker happy, angry, excited, sad, or something else entirely?