Active listening is one of the most powerful skills that can be used to connect with another human being. It is a technique that allows us to really be present for another person that extends far beyond “normal,” everyday conversations.

At some point this week engage in a brief conversation with a friend, family member, co-worker or other person in your life.

For the purpose of this discussion topic, please complete the following:

1. During your conversation, take note of your active listening skills, such as eye contact, body language, silence, and verbal minimal encouragers.

2. Concentrate on following the speaker’s train of thought and see how many of the active listening skills mentioned in the textbook you used during the conversation.

3. Respond to the following questions:

a.  Did the results surprise you?

b.  Were there some active listening skills that you demonstrated more than others?

c.  Which skills do you need to practice?

d.  What was hard and/or rewarding about this experience?

4. Be sure and use in-text citations and references when you mention information from the textbook.

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